Hotels across Kashmir, including prominent five-star establishments, are reportedly refusing to issue refunds to tourists who canceled bookings after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. This defiance comes despite clear directives from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Tourism, which mandated full refunds to affected travelers.
The April 22 circular instructed all tourism service providers—including hotels, houseboats, homestays, and travel agents—to waive cancellation fees and refund bookings. However, many hotels are instead offering “credit notes” or delaying refunds by weeks, citing reasons such as “invested advance payments.”
Tourists and travel agents expressed frustration, with one Srinagar-based agent calling it a “violation of basic decency” and warning of harm to Kashmir’s reputation. A disappointed tourist shared that she received a credit note instead of a refund, terming it “disheartening.”
Tourism experts cautioned that such practices undermine the region’s tradition of hospitality. Industry stakeholders are urging compliance with government orders, emphasizing the long-term damage to trust and goodwill.
Despite attempts to seek clarification, Director of Tourism Raja Yaqoob did not respond to multiple inquiries. Tourists and agents allege departmental complicity in the hotels’ rigid policies.
Source: Daily Excelsior
