KCCI, tourism stakeholders express anguish over sudden OTM cancellation

Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) convened an urgent meeting today with representatives of 20 travel, hotel, and houseboat associations to address the sudden cancellation of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department’s participation in the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) Mumbai.

The meeting was attended by representatives from KCCI, TASK, KHAROA, UTTA, JKHARA, TAFOK, AKTO, DTOAK, TAAK, ATOAK, KHBOA, PLTOF, TAFI, IATO, TTIG, JKTA, ADTOI, PHAROA & HC.

The OTM, scheduled from January 30 to February 1, is one of India’s largest tourism promotion events, providing a crucial platform for Kashmir’s travel industry. The Department of Tourism, which has been participating in such fairs for over two decades, had initially allocated space for trade representatives from Kashmir. However, stakeholders who had already arrived in Mumbai were informed at the last minute that the government had withdrawn participation, leaving them in a difficult position, KCCI said in a statement to Ziraat Times.

Industry representatives have also voiced their frustration over financial losses incurred due to the abrupt decision. The Tourism Department had charged Rs 10,000 per participant in advance and had allocated slots to various travel associations. Participants had also borne their own lodging, boarding, and promotional expenses, KCCI said.

“This is complete mismanagement,” said a senior member of one of the travel associations.

“We traveled all the way to Mumbai, carrying our promotional material and making arrangements, only to be told we cannot participate. This damages Kashmir’s reputation as a tourist destination”, he added.

The meeting saw unanimous criticism of the Tourism Department’s handling of the event. Stakeholders highlighted that the absence of Kashmir’s tourism pavilion at such a prominent event would harm the region’s image at a time when the industry is looking to recover and expand.

“It is unacceptable that the Department books a prime space in OTM and then pulls out at the last moment,” said a KCCI representative. “This not only wastes resources but also sends a negative signal to national and international travel partners”, participants opined.

The industry leaders called for structural changes in the Tourism Department, including the creation of a dedicated Tourism Board to oversee operations and prevent such blunders.

“The tourism sector is a major contributor to Jammu & Kashmir’s economy, yet it is being treated with neglect,” said one travel association leader.

Participants also raised concerns over the bureaucratic red tape in obtaining business registrations and renewals, which they said was hindering industry growth.

Many of the stakeholders indicated they would reconsider attending future events organized by the Tourism Department, given the lack of support and coordination.

“We cannot continue investing time and money when the government itself does not take these events seriously,” said a representative of a leading hotel association.

The meeting concluded with a formal appeal to the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure accountability for the setback.