KCCI, TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS MEET LG, SEEK URGENT MEASURES FOR REVIVAL OF KASHMIR TOURISM

Srinagar: A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, along with senior representatives of leading tourism trade associations, met the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and held an extensive discussion on the revival of the tourism sector, which continues to face challenges following recent adverse developments.

During the interaction, the KCC&I-led delegation submitted a comprehensive memorandum outlining urgent policy and administrative measures required to restore confidence, stabilise operations, and ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism in the Union Territory.

The delegation acknowledged that under the able and visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir tourism had earlier reached unprecedented heights, witnessing record tourist arrivals and investments running into several thousand crores of rupees across hotels and allied hospitality infrastructure.

Briefing the Lieutenant Governor, KCC&I President Javid Ahmad Tenga highlighted that the tourism sector has been severely impacted after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in mass cancellations, a sharp decline in tourist inflows, and serious financial stress for hoteliers, transporters, tour operators, guides, houseboat owners, and thousands of daily-wage earners. He underlined that the sector is currently grappling with both demand-side challenges and long-pending regulatory bottlenecks.

Tourism promotion emerged as the main thrust of the discussions, with the Chamber strongly advocating the launch of an aggressive Pan-India and international tourism promotion campaign to restore confidence and safeguard upcoming tourism seasons. The delegation also urged promotion of Kashmir through the ‘Incredible India’ initiative of the Government of India and sought Leave Travel Concession (LTC) priority for Jammu & Kashmir, terming it a powerful confidence-building and demand-generation measure for domestic tourism.

Another major issue discussed in detail was the renewal of registration of hotels, houseboats, and guest houses. The delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor that delays and procedural complexities in renewals are causing severe operational difficulties for hospitality units. He sought immediate implementation of a single-window, time-bound, and digitized renewal mechanism, particularly for houseboats, which he described as the crown jewel of Kashmir tourism.

The delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor that there is an urgent need to put in place a well-defined annual calendar for tourism promotion and related events. It was pointed out that at present tourism stakeholders receive invitations for participation at the eleventh hour, often just a day in advance, which makes meaningful participation difficult and undermines the purpose of such events. The delegation emphasised that a structured and pre-announced calendar would enable better planning, wider participation, and more effective promotion of Kashmir as a tourism destination.

The delegation further requested that applications for renewal of registrations and licences, where all requisite documents have already been duly submitted, be deemed to be renewed on a provisional basis until final decisions are taken by the competent authority.

The delegation also raised concerns regarding extension of lease deeds, issues faced by hotels under LCMA jurisdiction, infrastructure constraints in congested commercial areas such as Lal Chowk, fire safety requirements under Smart City projects, improved airport-level facilitation, waiver of municipal and allied fees for the hospitality sector.

Raising another long-pending issue, the delegation strongly pressed for the announcement of a power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers. They highlighted that accumulated power dues, exacerbated by prolonged downturns in tourism, have placed severe financial stress on businesses. A one-time amnesty, they said, would help stabilize struggling establishments, encourage regularization of dues, and support the overall revival of the tourism economy in Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the issues raised would be examined sympathetically. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reviving tourism, improving ease of doing business, and ensuring that genuine stakeholders are facilitated through transparent and efficient systems.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed confidence that under the continued leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir tourism will overcome present challenges and regain its growth trajectory. The Chamber assured its full cooperation with the administration in implementing reforms and revival measures in the larger interest of the economy and livelihoods of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Members of the Delegation included:- Javid Ahmad Tenga – President, KCC&I

Amir Manzoor Guna – Treasurer, KCC&I; M/s Taj Dal View, Srinagar

Gowhar Maqbool Mir – President, Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association

Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo – EC Member, KCC&I; President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir

Nazir Ahmad Mir – EC Member, KCC&I; Past Chairman, Kashmir Tour Operators

Showkat Ahmad Pakhtoon – EC Member, KCC&I; Chairman, Pilgrimage & Leisure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir

Bashir Ahmad Naik – EC Member, KCC&I; Hotelier

Shamim Ahmad Shah – National Committee Member, Travel Agents Federation of India

Ather Yamen – Secretary General, SKAL Kashmir

Nasir Shah – Chairman, Indian Association of Tour Operators

Rauf Ahmad Tramboo – President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India

Basharat Hussain – Hotel Radisson Collection