The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has taken strong note of the apparent indifference shown towards the tourism sector in the recently proposed UT Budget presented by Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the State Assembly.

 

In a statement, TAAK President Mr. Farooq A. Kuthoo expressed surprise over the absence of any substantial allocation for tourism, despite the sector being one of the main pillars of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy.

 

He said that following the Baisaran incident, Kashmir witnessed one of the worst setbacks in its tourism history, bringing the industry to a grinding halt. “Despite such unprecedented losses, no bailout package or financial relief for tourism stakeholders has been announced,” Kuthoo said.

 

TAAK further stated that the downturn in tourism has adversely impacted several allied sectors, clearly underlining the sector’s role as a key driver of economic activity in the region.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

Mr. Kuthoo also expressed concern that the well-considered budget recommendations submitted by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I)—particularly those related to tourism revival and economic support—have been completely ignored.

 

He added that while private stakeholders continue to spend lakhs of rupees on promotional and marketing initiatives, the government failed to announce any Market Development Assistance (MDA) schemes as strongly suggested in KCCIs budget recommendations or any concrete relief measures to support tourism stakeholders. (KNS)