File photo of foreign tourists in Srinagar
Srinagar- Known for its breathtaking beauty and unmatched hospitality, Jammu and Kashmir has been declared as one of the safest places for foreign tourists in India in the latest report prepared by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB).
As per NCRB’s Crime in India report, J&K has registered zero cases of crime against foreigners in J&K during 2021. “There was no case of violence, sexual assault, rape, forgery, theft and cheating reported from Jammu and Kashmir against the foreigners who visited the region in 2021,” the report says.
Pertinently, in the last three years, J&K has registered only two cases of crime against foreign tourists. The statistics available in the report have signified that last year, J&K was once again able to retain the title of Safe Tourist destination. In 2019 and 2020, J&K recorded one each case of crime against foreigners, which were among the lowest in India.
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, President Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation, Wahid Malik said that the latest NCRB figures will help J&K’s tourism industry to gain international traveler’s confidence.
“If you remember, last year also J&K was nominated as a safe destination for foreign travelers, especially solo women travelers. J&K has always been known for hosting foreigners and I guess, the latest figures will help local stakeholders to gain confidence of tourists and improve international footfall in the region,”
Echoing similar views, a deputy Director from J&K Tourism department said that since Covid lockdown was eased, J&K Tourism had shifted focus on attracting visitors from key overseas markets.
“Since 2021, J&K Tourism department has launched many promotional campaigns that showcase tourism offerings of the Union Territory. With a massive contribution of local industry stakeholders, the department was able to receive more foreign footfall this year. And when it comes to hospitality, nothing beats J&K,” the official said, adding that NCRB data on trivial crime rate against foreigners is a testament to J&K’s peace loving character.
Kashmir’s hospitality sector stakeholders who have already lost hundreds of crores as tourist footfall nosedived in 2020 say that the stories about Kashmir being unsafe for tourists are exaggerated.
Interestingly, while Kashmir’s credentials in ensuring no-crime against foreigners maintains an exemplary appearance, the report on the contrary reveals that there have been 14 cases registered against foreigners for committing crimes in J&K in 2021.
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