Srinagar, Jan 23 (KNO): A group of tour and travel operators representing hoteliers, houseboat owners, and tour operators on Thursday urged the government to take decisive steps to address challenges faced by the tourism sector, highlighting the need for an advisor dedicated to the industry.
Addressing the media in Srinagar, Tour and Travel operators representing different associations, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that while tourism in Kashmir has witnessed growth, the lack of adequate promotion and a dedicated representative has affected businesses on the ground.
“The tourism economy is performing better compared to other trades, but in the last five years, particularly post-COVID, over 1 lakh people have entered this sector. Despite its promising potential, efforts need to be doubled to address key issues,” said, one of the representatives.
He said, PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat talked about Kashmir having witnessed a tourism boom but, “our people have also done promotions alike and in the last four years, this sector has faced a need for an individual advisor, with whom they can share queues and that can reach the government.”
He said that high accommodation costs have deterred tourists, resulting in homestays and hotels witnessing fewer bookings. “To push tourism forward, focused promotional campaigns are essential. We have repeatedly raised these concerns with higher authorities, and we hope the Chief Minister will create a dedicated advisor for tourism operations,” he added.
Before five years, the capacity of hoteliers in J&K were about fifty thousand and this time it is about more than a lack in only Kashmir valley and homestay of about fifteen thousand and this has given a good boost to the tourism sector, he said.
He further noted the need for a single executive advisor to address the issues faced by hoteliers, houseboat owners, and other stakeholders as accommodation has increased and there is a need to look after the tourism industry.
The group also requested the government to focus on reviving the houseboat industry, which has dwindled to just 750 houseboats, and to ensure the direct operation of trains to Kashmir to boost connectivity.
“Environmental concerns and other pressing issues must also be addressed. Having an advisor for the tourism sector would ensure our voices are heard and our problems resolved,” they said.
It is worth mentioning the tour and travel operators groups compromise of Rauf Tramboo President of Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Gowhar Maqbool Hotelier Association representative, Manzoor Pakhtoon HouseBoat Association President, Zahoor Ahmad Karnai Chairman Tourist Trade Interest Guild (TTIG), Waseem Secretary General Travels Agent Society of Kashmir and Sameer Baktoo, Travel Agency Association India Chairman—(KNO)