ZT News Network
Srinagar: An urgent Meeting of J&K Hoteliers Club attended by Hoteliers Club Chapters of Sonmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg was held on 7 July-2020 to discuss the various issues of tourism sector of J&K and to get gears turning in the Tourism Industry once Covid-19 is behind.
Chairman J&K Hoteliers Club Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya in the meeting revealed that first time in the history of J&K the JK Hoteliers Club is undertaking project for wide Survey of Tourism Sector of J&K in association With With the Research Bureau of PHD Chamber,to understand present issues,current needs and expectations for the aftermath of the crisis from various stakeholders.
Mr Chaya has requested all tourism stakeholders to utilize this opportunity to participate in this online survey, which will help in building a suitable recovery plan for the tourism sector, and perfect statistics will be shared with all stakeholders with contribution of tourism sector in terms of revenue and employment generation in J&K and regarding this an Online Survey Link will be circulated by Hoteliers Club to all stakeholders of Tourism Sector.
Chaya added that at this point in time, the occupancy, other than that availing quarantine facility, is almost nil compared to the previous years. The continuous lockdown from August-2019 has completely pushed the entire industry to the brink, saying that tourism industry was the worst affected due to Covid-19 pandemic, the State administration should seriously consider to waive off the electricity, water charges and reimbursement of GST, Club also demands for release of Pending Payments of Quarantine Hotels.
Further, the Hoteliers club extends gratitude to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and Advisor Baseer Khan for considering the suggestion of Club for facilitating the reopening of Gardens, Parks and Tourism destinations, we also now request the Administration and Tourism department to launch the campaign to draw the attention of the potential tourists, desirable travelers who have been patiently waiting to step out to visit their favorite tourist destinations Kashmir.
Chaya stated that there are very grim chances for interstate travel, but travel within J&K is possible.
“Therefore J&K Hotelier’s club proposes all hotels and restaurants to come together for opening of high-end boutique hotels and resorts to local people of J&K on concessional rates, affording them experiences that were tailor-made for the International/National guest. This will allow inflow of cash required to maintain the hotel’s staff and property and a fabulous experience for the guest,” says Chaya, adding that the proposal is for the J&K people, and Chaya clarifies that travel will begin only after all clearances are in place and that the hotels will follow the prescribed health guidelines as per SOP of State administration.