SRINAGAR — The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called upon the Jammu and Kashmir government to urgently intervene and resolve the critical challenges being faced by local tour and travel operators due to the inefficiencies in the current online booking system for Gondola tickets.
In a formal communication addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, KCCI highlighted the growing difficulties encountered by local tourism stakeholders. According to the Chamber, the inability to secure Gondola tickets has led to significant business losses for local operators, who rely on these tickets to complete their travel packages and deliver a comprehensive experience to tourists visiting Kashmir.
The Chamber pointed out that although 3,500 to 4,000 Gondola tickets are issued daily, local travel agents often find themselves unable to secure allocations, even when bookings are attempted several days in advance. Reports from stakeholders suggest that non-local agencies appear to receive preferential access to these tickets, placing local operators at a severe competitive disadvantage.
KCCI further raised concerns about the functionality of the online ticketing portal, noting frequent crashes and system failures during peak booking times. These technical glitches make it nearly impossible for local agents to secure tickets for their clients, especially during high-demand periods.
Among other concerns, the Chamber cited:
– Limited availability of tickets for local travel agents.
– Poor management of the Tatkal quota, which reportedly sells out within minutes.
In its communication, KCCI urged the Cyber Police to investigate the IP addresses involved in mass ticket bookings to uncover any potentially unfair practices or manipulation of the booking system. The Chamber also called for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the current online system to ensure equitable access for all travel agencies, with a focus on safeguarding the interests of local businesses.
“The intervention of the J&K government is essential to maintaining the integrity of Kashmir’s tourism sector,” said Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary General of KCCI. “Supporting local tour operators is critical, as they are key contributors to the regional economy. A fair and transparent ticketing system will not only benefit local businesses but also improve the overall experience for tourists in Kashmir.”
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