Kashmir seeks FCO advice change

The Indian tourist office has hosted a group of operators on a trip to Kashmir in an attempt to persuade the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to change its advice against travel to the region, writes Sarah Thomas.

The disputed territory at the north of India and Pakistan has been subject to a ban by the FCO since at least 1996.

However, the Indian tourist office, Incredible India, claims the advice should be softened and be more region-specific.

Nine operators visited for a week earlier this month including Travelpack, Indus Travel and Himalayan Kingdom. Tourist office director Vivek Angra said feedback had been “wonderful”.

The operators met with the Indian acting high commissioner and submitted a report which said they perceived the situation to be “normal”.

Angra hoped the commissioner would now inform the FCO. “We want the advice to be watered down and exclusive to certain places so people can go there.”

The FCO said its advice was taken from several sources and it strongly advised against travel.

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