Jammu and Kashmir opens for tourists from today: COVID-19 test, confirmed air tickets must — Here’s all you need to know

New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir authorities has determined to open the union territory for tourism in a phased method beginning July 14 and has issued a set of tips for a similar. The tourism sector within the state-converting into two UTs has began after a niche of virtually 4 months. 

Jammu and Kashmir are open for tourism however just for air travellers. Tourist gamers welcomed the step. 

Tour and journey operator Fayaz Ahmad Shala mentioned, “Toursim have not started. We have come ot know about out through media and we welcome the step. However, we doubt that when airline people will come to know about it, they would hike the airfare, which will again imapct the number of travellers. We request the government to consider this.”

Tourist gamers, be it tour operators, houseboat house owners or boat man have welcomed the step to open tourism within the area as they’re most suffers since august 2019 when the central authorities scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state in to 2 Union Territories. During this time, vacationers in Jammu and Kashmir have been suggested to depart the world. 

One boat man quipped, “We would be more than happy if Amarnath Yatra starts and pilgrims are allowed to visit the tourist spots too.” Another boat man, Ali Mohammad mentioned, “It will be great for us if tourists start visiting here. We have suffered a lot.” Taxi operator Adil Ahmad mentioned, “It’s very good step. It will boost trade in Kashmir and people will benefit.”

The resolution to reopen tourism was taken by the Jammu and Kashmir authorities in a high-level assembly that was held a number of days in the past. There will probably be a partial opening of the tourism sector for guests from outdoors J&Ok, and for now, has been restricted to vacationers arriving by air solely. 

The official launch learn, “In the view of the COVID-19 related measures, it is felt imperative to put in place a protocol to be followed by the tourists as well the persons/authorities engaged in the hospitality sector.”

Thus, the federal government has determined to open the Union Territory in a phased method and is permitting entry to solely these vacationers arriving by air within the first section of reopening.

Following are among the highlights from the rules for J&Ok tourism:

In this section, tourism is restricted to these arriving by air solely. COVID-19 take a look at of all vacationers is obligatory on arrival and vacationers must have confirmed lodge bookings.

All vacationers should have confirmed lodge bookings during their keep. It is necessary to pre-book lodging on-line in motels, houseboats or guesthouses. The proof of this will probably be checked on the time of arrival.

All vacationers should have their return tickets too.

Upon arrival, all of the vacationers should endure COVID testing (necessary). And till the take a look at outcome reveals a unfavorable for COVID-19, vacationers will keep of their lodge rooms and shall not be permitted to maneuver out. Tourists should signal a type on the airport.

Even if a vacationer comes with COVID unfavorable report, he/she’s going to nonetheless must take the COVID take a look at on arrival on the airport. However, they won’t be required to stay remoted in motels. 

If a vacationer take a look at optimistic for the virus, he/she will probably be instantly despatched for therapy to a medical facility as per the protocol.

Taxis or transport service must be pre-booked by motels and journey companies.

Tourists above the age of 65 ought to keep away from travelling.

Only vacationers coming by air shall be permitted.

Aarogya Setu app is a should and all vacationers ought to have it put in on their telephones and shall be checked for ‘safe’ standing on the time of arrival.