Srinagar, Nov 26: J&K’s prominent hotelier and businessman Mushtaq Chaya has been re-elected as the chairman of Jammu Kashmir Hoteliers’ Clubs (JKHC); while Tariq Ghani Bedaba, another eminent hotelier, has been re-elected as the Club’s Secretary General.
JKHC held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday at Rahbagh Resort Harwan Srinagar. All members of the JKHC were present in the meeting, including members from Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Jammu and Ladakh chapter.
Elections were held during the AGM, during which office bearers for Srinagar were elected. Aqib Chaya was elected as president of the Gulmarg chapter; Khawar Geelani as vice president and Saqib Beigh as secretary general. Farooq Hafiz was re-elected president of the Sonamarg chapter, Majeed Sofi Vice President, Imityaz Wani Secretary, Junaid Shahdad As Treasurer Srinagar, Nazir Mir Coordinator Srinagar.
On the occasion, the Director Tourism Mr. Fazlul Haseeb graced the occasion as chief guest, and Deputy Director Zeehshan was the guest of honour.
Chairman Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya highlighted various issues faced by the tourism sector to the Director Tourism and drew attention towards the issues hoteliers of Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam. Renewal of hotel registrations, Ease of doing business and tourism promotion at national level were discussed. The Director Tourism gave a patient hearing to the members and assured them that all the problems of the tourism industry would be resolved at the earliest. The Director Tourism reiterated that the Tourism Department and Hoteliers are one family, and said, “I assure all the hoteliers full support from the Department of Tourism and all problems faced by hoteliers will be taken up with the higher authorities for redressal.” The Sonamarg president Farooq Hafiz demanded facilities for winter tourism at Sonmarg. Senior Vice Chairman Riyaz Shahdad requested Director Tourism to allow repairs at tourist destinations. The newly elected Gulmarg President Aqib Chaya raised the issue of renewal of Gulmarg Land Lease. All the members appreciated the office-bearers for their tireless work and year-round efforts for the flourishment of the Tourism industry.
The Secretary General Tariq Ghani said, “We have formed an environment committee, which will be headed by Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Babar Chowdhary As Chairman Restaurant Committee to safeguard our environment.” Ghani thanked all the members, guests, special invitees and the Department of Tourism for actively participating in the AGM of Hoteliers Club. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks to the chair.
