Between big money and sustainability: CII J&K Tourism Summit to discuss responsible tourism in Kashmir

Ziraat Times Team Report 

Srinagar: In the face of rapid degradation of natural environment and high growth of eco-unfriendly tourism infrastructure in Kashmir, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K is set to host the 2024 Tourism Summit on Wednesday, November 20, in Srinagar, focusing on the theme “Sustainable and Responsible Tourism.”

Organisers who spoke to Ziraat Times said that this event seeks a policy shift in J&K on tourism – to promote eco-friendly practices and ethical travel while encouraging a participatory  discussion on the future of tourism here.

Pertinently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently hinted that J&K government might consider a policy shift to high end and low carbon footprint tourism in J&K.

The summit will witness participation from policymakers, industry leaders, and tourism experts, including Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the  Chief Minister of J&K; who will be the Chief guest and Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA, Gulmarg, who is the guest of honour at the event. Other key speakers at the event include:

Syed Junaid Altaf Chairman, CII J&K & Group Executive Director, FIL Industries Pvt Ltd

Rakesh Mathur; Honorary President & Founding Member, Responsible Tourism Society of India

Abhijeet Patil; Chairman Raja Rani Travels

Shivraj Dhaka; Senior Counsellor CIF-IGBC (Indian Green Building Council)

Fayaz Ahmad Dar; Ecological Entrepreneur (&) Founder SAGG Eco Village Kashmir

Irfan Ali Shah (IFS); Conservator of Forests Eco-tourism, Govt of J&K

Madhusudhan Rapole; CEO & Founder. Cona Energy Enga Sarvices Pvt. Ltd.

Syed Mujtaba Ali Jaffery; Vice President Skyview by Empyrean

Organisers said that the summit will delve into the need for streamlined policies to support sustainable tourism initiatives. Experts will also highlight the importance of creating a business-friendly regulatory framework to attract investment in eco-tourism, the said.

At an event organised by JKPICCA in Srinagar on Sunday, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah flagged  a new debate on the policy feasibility of  home stays expansion in J&K. Questioning the policy rationale of widespread development of home stays, Mr Shah said that the policy was undermining the business of the  established hotels and that home stays need to be limited to areas where there are no hotels and guest houses. He called for a review of the policy for the sake of sustainability of the tourism sector.

“The emphasis of the summit will be on building world-class, sustainable infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact”, said a speaker at the event, adding that they would also focus on  areas including  transportation, accommodation, and tourist amenities designed to align with green standards.

Farhana Khan, one of the home stays promoter said that the event should also discuss ways to quip the local workforce with skills in hospitality, tourism management, and sustainable practices.

“It would be, however, not fair to question home stays system altogther without factoring in their value in creating  livelihood avenues and low carbon foot print, she said.

The summit is also expected to address the role of training programs in empowering communities and enhancing service standards.

Participants will also  explore community-centric models to empower locals and create sustainable livelihoods. Involving local communities in planning and decision-making processes will be presented as a pathway to equitable development, said a sponsor of the event.