Jammu, 10 June (H.S.): All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association (AJHLA) has raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the tourism sector in the Jammu region, citing a sharp decline in pilgrims and tourists visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

In a meeting held today, AJHLA president Pawan Gupta expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis, attributing the slump to recent tragic events such as the Pahalgam massacre and Indo-Pak tensions, which have dampened the overall travel sentiment. He pointed out that the already fragile budget hotel industry, struggling since the extension of the train service from Jammu to Katra and now to Kashmir, is now reeling under further pressure due to near-zero business activity.

“Several hotel and lodge units have begun shutting down or shifting to alternate businesses. The livelihoods of thousands of stakeholders including dhabas, travel agents, tour operators, taxi and auto operators, traders in handicrafts, dry fruits and shawls are at stake,” Gupta said.

While appreciating Government initiatives aimed at reviving tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Association criticized the disproportionate focus on the Kashmir Valley. “Jammu continues to remain neglected. No meaningful step has been taken for the revival of tourism here,” Gupta stated.

He urged the Government to treat Jammu as a standalone tourism hub and expedite pending infrastructure projects such as the artificial lake, Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, and beautification of the Tawi River Front on the lines of Sabarmati. Gupta also demanded the revival of the abandoned Peer Kho-Mahamaya cable car service and development of Jambu Zoo at Nagrota into a prominent attraction by enhancing its animal population.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar