Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) delegation, led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, met with Director Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob Farooq, today here. Also present were KCCI Senior Vice President Ashaq Hussain Shangloo, Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, and senior officers from the Department of Tourism, according to a statement issued to Ziraat Times.
The meeting addressed key challenges faced by the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and travel trade:
Registration License Renewal Delays: KCCI highlighted the prolonged delays in renewing registration licenses for hotels, guest houses, lodges, resorts, houseboats, and restaurants. Obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments has become a cumbersome process, leading to months or even years of waiting.
Unfortunate Notices: The KCCI President expressed concern over notices issued by the Department of Tourism to certain hotels. Despite applying for license renewal, these hotels faced non-issuance of NOCs due to minor documentation gaps. The KCCI urged withdrawal of these notices.
Ease of Doing Business: The KCCI President reminded the Director Tourism about the Prime Minister’s “Ease of Doing Business” policy. Renewal of tourism registration licenses should align with this initiative. KCCI has already engaged with relevant authorities and will continue advocating for streamlined processes.
Gulmarg Transformation: The KCCI commended the Director and officials for improving Gulmarg’s reputation. Measures taken to address harassment and mistreatment of tourists have resulted in positive feedback. Similar steps should be replicated across other tourist destinations.
Regulating Tariffs: The Director Tourism sought KCCI’s support in regulating service charges. Some sections of the hospitality sector impose exorbitant tariffs. The KCCI President suggested involving Hotel Associations to address this issue.