TOURIST TRADE
Although the locals in Kashmir who are connected with tourism are trying to bring back the industry on the track as the tourist footfall is increasing in this autumn season, there are many problems being faced by them on the ground.
Recently when the Union Minister of Tourism was in Kashmir, these tourism stakeholders including tourist trade and travel, houseboat association, shikarawalas, hoteliers among others put forth their demands and issues before him.
Among other issues, the tourism stakeholders sought direct flights from different cities of the country including Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai to Srinagar. They also demanded insurance cover in case of losses, development of new and virgin tourist destinations, better mobile connectivity at tourism places, renovation of old hotels at tourism destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg among others.
He gave a patient hearing to the tourism stakeholders and assured them that all their genuine issues would be taken up at the Central Government level for early resolution.
He said that the Central Government is doing every bit to bring J&K back on the tourism map and make it the number one tourist destination among travelers, tourists, and visitors once again.
He informed the meeting that the Government of India along with the UT government is putting in serious efforts to bring Mughal Gardens of J&K on UNESCO Heritage map so that these places would get international recognition to help in increasing tourist footfall from other countries.
