Srinagar, Jan 20 (KNS): A high-level delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), led by its President, Javid Ahmad Tenga, and comprising senior representatives of major tourism trade bodies, met with Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Wednesday.
In a statement issued to the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), the KCC&I stated that the meeting centered on critical measures to revive the region's tourism sector, which continues to face severe headwinds following recent adverse events.
During extensive deliberations, the delegation presented a comprehensive memorandum detailing urgent policy and administrative interventions needed to restore confidence, stabilize operations, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Union Territory’s tourism economy.
While acknowledging that tourism in Kashmir had achieved record arrivals and witnessed investments worth thousands of crores under the present administration, the delegation outlined the severe impact of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. KCC&I President, Tenga, informed the Lieutenant Governor that the sector is reeling from mass cancellations, a sharp drop in tourist inflows, and acute financial distress for stakeholders, including hoteliers, transporters, tour operators, and thousands of daily-wage earners.
Tourism promotion formed the core of the discussions. The Chamber strongly advocated for an aggressive, sustained Pan-India and international promotional campaign to rebuild market confidence. Key proposals included integrating Kashmir prominently into the Centre’s ‘Incredible India’ initiative and designating Jammu & Kashmir as a priority destination for Leave Travel Concession (LTC) to boost domestic travel.
A significant portion of the meeting addressed operational bottlenecks, particularly the protracted and complex renewal process for registrations of hotels, houseboats, and guest houses. The delegation appealed for an immediate shift to a single-window, time-bound, and fully digitized renewal mechanism, especially for houseboats, described as the "crown jewel" of Kashmiri tourism.
The delegation also emphasized the need for a well-defined annual calendar for tourism events and promotions, noting that last-minute invitations hinder meaningful participation and effectiveness.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey further requested that applications with complete documents be granted provisional renewals pending final authority approval.
Other pressing issues raised included the extension of lease deeds, infrastructure constraints in areas like Lal Chowk, fire safety norms under Smart City projects, improved airport facilitation, and a waiver of municipal fees for the hospitality sector.
Highlighting a persistent financial burden, the delegation urgently pressed for a power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers. They argued that accumulated electricity dues, worsened by prolonged tourism downturns, are crippling businesses, and that a one-time settlement would aid stabilization and revival.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave a patient hearing to the submissions and assured the delegation that all issues would be examined sympathetically. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing tourism, enhancing ease of doing business, and establishing transparent, efficient systems for stakeholders.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed confidence that under the Lieutenant Governor’s leadership, the sector would overcome current challenges and return to a growth trajectory, pledging its full cooperation in all revival efforts.
The delegation comprised: Javid Ahmad Tenga (President, KCC&I); Amir Manzoor Guna (Treasurer, KCC&I); Gowhar Maqbool Mir (President, Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association); Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo (EC Member, KCC&I); Nazir Ahmad Mir (EC Member, KCC&I); Showkat Ahmad Pakhtoon (EC Member, KCC&I); Mr. Bashir Ahmad Naik (EC Member, KCC&I); 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); and Waseem Goswami (Secretary General, Travel Agents Society of Kashmir). (KNS)