Srinagar: J&K Hoteliers Club delegation, chaired by Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, met Atul Dullo, Chief Secretary of the J&K government, and Secretary of Tourism Yasha Mudgal at the Civil Secretariat on Wednesday. The delegation discussed several burning issues faced by the hospitality sector, according to a statement issued to Ziraat Times.
The delegation discussed and sought support from J&K government on the following issues:
1. The urgent need for the timely renewal of hotel registrations, particularly for businesses operating for many years. The current requirement for documentation similar to that of fresh registrations is causing unnecessary delays and putting hotel properties at risk. They requested Chief Secretary’s personal intervention to resolve this matter promptly and ensure timely renewals.
2. Appreciation was expressed for the inclusion of the tourism industry, a service sector, in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) category under the industrial policy. They emphasized the need for simplified registration procedures as promised under the “ease of doing business” initiative.
3. The delegation informed about their readiness to receive Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims and requested smooth facilitation for bona fide tourists with reservations in Pahalgam and Sonamarg areas. They suggested treating reservation slips as passes to avoid inconvenience.
4. Concerns were raised regarding the pending renewal of leases in Gulmarg and maintenance of properties in Boulevard area, Srinagar. They urged for interim measures to allow maintenance until lease issues are resolved.
5. They emphasized the importance of having fire-fighting and emergency ambulance facilities in Sonmarg to prevent casualties. Additionally, they called for the earliest possible holding of a BOCA meeting in Sonmarg.
6. Lastly, they sought assistance for business-related issues with J&K Bank through OTS schemes, requesting handholding for the business fraternity.