Srinagar, April 23 (KNS) :  A delegation of J&K Hotel and  Restaurant Association (JKHARA) called on Director

Tourism Kashmir Dr GN Itoo to discuss various issues confronting tourism and hospitality sector.

The delegation was led by its President Chowdhary Mohammad Showkat who was accompanied by its Jr. Vice President   Dr. Latief, General Secretary Manzoor Pakhtoon, Coordinator Ayesha saleem and member Muzafar Baba.

At the outset, the delegation hailed the tourism department for its untiring efforts in attracting record number of tourists to the Valley.

While complementing the Director Tourism, Dr GN Itoo, Showkat Chowdhary urged him to mobalise enforcement teams at tourist resorts to check overcharging by service providers.

Chowdhary said due to some unscrupulous service providers in the trade who resort to unfair trade practices by overcharging the tourists, the Kashmir's hospitality sector is getting bad image.

The President JKHARA also drew the attention of the Director to non-availability of tourist taxis in the Valley due to huge tourist rush and suggested that new tourist taxi permits may be issued to travel and hospitality sector to bridge the gap for better experiences of the tourists.

JKHARA also suggested opening up new destinations to divert the huge rush of the travellers to these places.

The delegation further urged the director to fast track the renewal and the fresh registration of tourism units through single window system.

The director gave patient hearing to the suggestions put forth by the delegation and assured to take immediate steps.

He said the department also received complaints of overcharging which is being  looked into by the police enforcement teams.

He further said to divert the huge rush of tourists, the department is identifying the spots for eco-camping at lesser visited and off beat places.(KNS)