Srinagar, Oct 09 (KNO): The meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism & Allied Business Forum (JKTABF) was chaired by its Chairman Mushtaq Chaya, at Hotel Radisson Collection, Rajbagh and was attended by key stakeholders from across Jammu and Kashmir, who are directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry.
As per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the meeting witnessed participation from representatives of hotels, guest houses, homestays, houseboat owners, travel agents, Shikara associations, the handicraft sector, pony wallas, environmentalists and other allied travel and tourism stakeholders.
Prominent organizations that participated in the meeting included: Jammu & Kashmir Hotels Club, FICCI, Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, Hoteliers Club (Khara Khurof Combine, Sonmarg Chapter, Gulmarg Chapter, Doodhpathri Chapter), Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK), Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Travel Agents Association of India – J&K Chapter (TAAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators – J&K Chapter (IATO), Association of Domestic Tour Operators – J&K Chapter (ADTOI),Chamber of Commerce and Industries CCIK SKAL International – J&K Club, NATTA Kashmir, Kashmir Handicraft Association NALCO urban travel Association, Kashmir Pashmina Organisation, Eco-Tourism Society of Kashmir, Pahalgam Hotel Association, President of the Shikara Owners Association, Adventure Tour Operators of Kashmir, representatives from the Tourist Taxi Association, as well as representatives from Katra, Jammu, Kargil, and Drass, along with prominent hoteliers, pony wallas, and members from the general trade.
The Forum celebrated the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir following the unfortunate Pahalgam incident and held detailed discussions on strategies to further strengthen and promote the region’s tourism potential.
During the deliberations, special emphasis was laid on the following key points: Extension of subsidies for film tourism, as several production houses are keen to shoot in Jammu and Kashmir, provided the incentives are aligned with other Indian states, Promotion of sports tourism to attract national and international sporting events, Extension of lease lands related to the tourism and hospitality sector, Enhanced marketing through social media and digital influencers to boost global outreach and Promotion of responsible, sustainable, and eco-tourism practices to preserve the region’s environment and cultural heritage.
It was decided that a delegation from the Forum will soon meet the Commissioner Secretary of Tourism to discuss effective strategies for tourism marketing and promotion.
In addition to meeting the Secretary Tourism, it was also decided that a series of meetings will be conducted with various officials of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, as well as with the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, to address key industry concerns and explore avenues for greater support and collaboration.
Chairman Mushtaq Chaya reaffirmed his full commitment to the revival and growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that “Tourism is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, and countless people are directly or indirectly dependent on it.”
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all stakeholders expressing unity and determination to work collectively for the sustainable development and global promotion of Jammu and Kashmir as a premier tourism destination—(KNO)