Tourism fraternity happy over UK's lifting of travel advisory

"It is a welcome step and we thank the governments of the UK and India as well as the state government. It will boost tourist arrivals from foreign countries," Azim Tuman, Chairman Kashmir House Boat Owners Association.

"Foreign tourists have always been the main buyers of carpets and our carpet industry has been struggling because of such advisories. Now, we hope it will get a boost," he said.

"The people associated with the tourism trade see it as a positive step and hope other countries will follow and soon lift their respective advisories," Tuman said.

Describing the announcement as a good step, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association president Showkat Choudhary said it would have a very positive impact on overall tourism in the state.

He said there would be a definite increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting the state next year.

Choudhary said he was hopeful other Commonwealth nations would also lift their advisories.

"This will also have a positive impact on the domestic tourist arrivals as it will boost their confidence as well," he said.

The traders' community also expressed happiness over the announcement by the UK government.

"We are very happy to know that the UK is withdrawing the advisory. Our business has been severely affected due to such advisories. We hope to see a surge in the foreign tourist arrivals which will increase our business," said a trader

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