Srinagar: A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, on Tuesday met the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and urged the administration to take urgent policy and administrative measures to revive the tourism sector, which has been under strain following recent adverse developments.
The delegation, which included senior representatives of major tourism trade bodies, held detailed discussions with the Lieutenant Governor on restoring confidence, stabilising tourism operations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. A comprehensive memorandum outlining key concerns and suggestions was submitted during the meeting.
The KCC&I delegation acknowledged that under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir tourism had earlier witnessed unprecedented growth, with record tourist arrivals and investments amounting to several thousand crore rupees in hotels and allied hospitality infrastructure. However, they pointed out that the sector has suffered a major setback following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to mass cancellations, a sharp drop in tourist inflows and severe financial stress on hoteliers, transporters, tour operators, guides, houseboat owners and daily-wage earners.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, KCC&I President Javid Ahmad Tenga said the sector is facing both demand-side challenges and long-pending regulatory issues. Tourism promotion emerged as a key focus of the discussions, with the delegation strongly advocating an aggressive pan-India and international promotional campaign to restore tourist confidence and protect upcoming tourism seasons. The Chamber also sought enhanced promotion of Kashmir under the Government of India’s ‘Incredible India’ initiative and urged that Jammu and Kashmir be accorded priority under the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme to boost domestic tourism.
The issue of renewal of registrations for hotels, houseboats and guest houses was also discussed at length. The delegation informed the Lieutenant Governor that procedural delays and complexities in renewals are creating serious operational difficulties. They sought the immediate introduction of a single-window, time-bound and fully digitised renewal mechanism, particularly for houseboats, which were described as a hallmark of Kashmir tourism.
The delegation further stressed the need for a well-defined, pre-announced annual calendar for tourism promotion and events. They pointed out that stakeholders are often informed about participation at very short notice, which hampers effective engagement and planning. A structured calendar, they said, would improve participation and strengthen promotional efforts.
Other issues raised included provisional renewal of licences where documentation has already been submitted, extension of lease deeds, problems faced by hotels under the LCMA jurisdiction, infrastructure constraints in congested commercial areas such as Lal Chowk, fire safety requirements under Smart City projects, improved facilitation at the airport level, and waiver of municipal and allied fees for the hospitality sector.
The delegation also strongly pressed for the announcement of a one-time power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers, citing accumulated power dues that have added to the financial burden of tourism-related businesses due to prolonged downturns.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that the issues raised would be examined sympathetically. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to reviving tourism, improving ease of doing business and facilitating genuine stakeholders through transparent and efficient systems.
The KCC&I expressed confidence that under the continued leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir’s tourism sector would overcome the present challenges and regain its growth trajectory, and assured full cooperation with the administration in the larger interest of the economy and livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation included Javid Ahmad Tenga, President, KCC&I; Amir Manzoor Guna, Treasurer, KCC&I; Gowhar Maqbool Mir, President, Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association; Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir; Nazir Ahmad Mir, Past Chairman, Kashmir Tour Operators; Showkat Ahmad Pakhtoon, Chairman, Pilgrimage & Leisure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir; Bashir Ahmad Naik, Hotelier; Shamim Ahmad Shah, National Committee Member, Travel Agents Federation of India; Ather Yamen, Secretary General, SKAL Kashmir; Nasir Shah, Chairman, Indian Association of Tour Operators; Rauf Ahmad Tramboo, President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India; Basharat Hussain, Hotel Radisson Collection; and Waseem Goswami, Secretary General, Travel Agents Society of Kashmir.
