Shimla, April 30 -- The tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh is facing an unexpected slump following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Travel operators and hoteliers in the state report a sharp rise in booking cancellations, with travelers opting to stay away from hill stations out of fear, despite Himachal's peaceful reputation.

Tour operators and hotel owners are now urging tourists to not let fear overshadow the calm and safety that Himachal offers, stressing that the state remains one of the most hospitable and secure destinations in the country.

Kedar Dutt, a travel and tour operator based in Shimla, who has been in the business since 1994, highlighted the sharp decline in tourist arrivals post the Pahalga...