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File photo of foreign tourists in Srinagar
srinagar Known for its stunning beauty and unmatched hospitality, Jammu and Kashmir has been named one of the safest places for foreign tourists in India in the latest National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report.
According to NCRB report Crime in India, J&K registered zero cases of crimes against foreigners in 2021 in J&K region in 2021,” the report said.
In fact, in the past three years, J&K has registered only two cases of crimes against foreign tourists. Statistics available in the report showed that J&K retained the Safe Destination title again last year. In 2019 and 2020, J&K recorded one case each of crimes against foreigners, among the lowest in India.
Speaking to the Kashmir Observer, Wahid Malik, President of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation, said the latest NCRB figures will help J&K’s tourism industry gain the trust of international travellers.
“If you remember, last year J&K was also nominated as a safe travel destination for foreign travelers, especially women traveling alone. J&K has always been known for accommodating foreigners and I think the latest numbers will help local stakeholders gain tourist confidence and enhance the international presence in the region.”
A deputy director of J&K Tourism’s department shared similar views, saying that since the easing of the Covid lockdown, J&K Tourism has shifted focus to attracting visitors from key overseas markets.
“Since 2021, the Tourism Department of J&K has launched many promotional campaigns showcasing Union Territory tourism offerings. Thanks to a massive contribution from local industry stakeholders, the department was able to reach more foreign visitors this year. And when it comes to hospitality, nothing beats J&K,” the official said, adding that NCRB data on the number of petty crimes against foreigners is a testament to J&K’s peace-loving nature.
Kashmir hospitality stakeholders, who have already lost hundreds of millions of euros as tourist numbers plummeted in 2020, say stories about Kashmir being unsafe for tourists are exaggerated.
Interestingly, while Kashmir shows an exemplary record in ensuring crime-freedom against foreigners, the report shows on the contrary that in 2021, 14 cases against foreigners for crimes were registered in J&K.
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Zayd Bin Shabir
Zaid Bin Shabir is a special correspondent for the Kashmir Observer. He tweets @Zaidbinshabir
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