Over 2K tourists stranded in Ladakh

The recent drone and missile attacks by Pakistan, which have rendered airports in northern India non-operational, have left approximately 2,000 tourists stranded in various parts of Ladakh.

Showing solidarity and humanitarian concern, local hotels and guest houses have stepped forward to provide free accommodation and meals to these stranded tourists. Furthermore, stakeholders in the tourism sector are actively organising transportation to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, facilitating the tourists’ onward journey to their respective destinations.

A delegation comprising members of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA) and the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA) recently met with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier BD Mishra (Retd.). They briefed him on the predicament faced by the tourists due to the cross-border attacks.

The delegation also highlighted the severe impact on the tourism industry, reporting a near-total cancellation of bookings for the entire month of May. They informed the L-G about the proactive measures undertaken by the local tourism fraternity, including the provision of complimentary lodging for the roughly 2,000 stranded tourists and the arrangement of 25 Tempo Travellers to transport them to Manali free of charge.

The Lieutenant Governor was further apprised of the cascading effects of recent events on Ladakh’s tourism sector. This includes the aftermath of the terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam, followed by the Indian armed forces’ retaliatory operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Industry representatives conveyed their apprehension that the tourism season is effectively over for May, with significant uncertainty clouding the prospects for those dependent on tourism for the remainder of the year. They noted that Ladakh’s tourism had been showing promising signs of recovery, with a substantial influx of visitors in March and April.

Given the prevailing circumstances, the delegation brought to the L-G’s attention the financial challenges faced by tourism operators. These include the burden of loan repayments to banks and substantial operational expenses, particularly electricity bills. They requested the Lieutenant Governor’s intervention to extend the deadline for electricity bill payments for hotels, guest houses and other business establishments.

The Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation that their concerns and demands would be given due consideration.

J & K