Srinagar, Aug 19: Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has urged the visiting Parliamentary Standing Committee for a ‘special tourism package’ for Jammu and Kashmir, which has been hit hard economically for the past many years.
TAAK President Farooq A Kuthoo, who along with other stakeholders including prominent Tour Operator Nasir Shah, President KHAROF Wahid Malik, Chairman of JK Hoteliers Club Mushtaq Chaya and G R Siah, former Chairman Kashmir Houseboat Association, were invited by the Parliamentary Standing Committee for an interaction, apprised the committee about the Kashmir current tourism scenario and the ways to promote it at national and international level, a statement issued to Ziraat Times said today.
The President TAAK said the suggestions and demands discussed with the Parliamentary Committee which visited in Srinagar earlier were not implemented.
“We have already met with the central delegations and apprised them about Kashmir tourism and ways to promote it. However, nothing has happened on the ground,” the President TAAK told the visiting Parl Committee on Home Affairs.
Kuthoo sought a comprehensive bailout package and tax holidays for J&K tourism sector.
“There has to be a complete waiver of GST on holidays and other tax incentives for the tourism sector to spur tourism activities in Kashmir,” he said.
TAAK further demanded upgradation of infrastructure at Srinagar airport including installation of instrument landing system for regular night flights, International flights and direct flights to Srinagar from various domestic international destinations.
TAAK also sought cap on airfares on Srinagar route which, it said, is affecting tourist arrivals during peak season badly.
The TAAK President further informed the Committee that the National highways needed to be upgraded so that it remains open even during the harsh winter months.
He also sought connecting Srinagar through railway line on a war footing basis besides increasing train services to attract budget customers.
