I am committed to resolving tourism industry issues: Babar Chowdhary
The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Dec 26: In a significant development, Senior JKHARA Leader and former KCCI President, Rouf Punjabi, announced the completion of the two-year term of the previous executive body and President.
He stated, “After the successful completion of the stipulated term, we are dissolving the previous body.
To ensure the smooth functioning of the association during this interim period, an adhoc body has been unanimously constituted, led by Babar Chowdhary as the acting President. All members have entrusted the adhoc body, under the leadership of Chowdhary, with the responsibility of conducting elections within six months. The newly formed team includes Dr. Lateef Ahmad – Senior Vice President, Imran Sheikh – Junior Vice President, Ayesha Salam – General Secretary, Mohd Shafi – Joint General Secretary, and Nasreen Ansari – Treasurer.
This body has been entrusted with the responsibility to steer the association and effectively address the pressing issues faced by the tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir. The body will work in close coordination with the elected government led by Omar Abdullah to ensure the concerns of stakeholders are promptly addressed.
Speaking on his appointment, Babar Chowdhary said, “I am deeply thankful to all the members for unanimously nominating me as the adhoc President. The senior members and the executive body have given me a full mandate to address the critical issues plaguing the tourism sector.”
Highlighting the challenges, he remarked, “The tourism sector is currently facing several pressing issues, including lease extensions, hotel renovations, NOCs, frequent power cuts, and an unprecedented hike in utility charges. We are also pushing for the exploration of new tourist destinations and infrastructure development to accommodate tourists from across the country. It is crucial to position Jammu & Kashmir as a year-round destination with state-of-the-art facilities for all types of travelers.”
The association has also emphasized the importance of developing guesthouses, while the upcoming rail connectivity in Kashmir will ensure seamless travel for tourists. The adhoc body has pledged to work diligently until the elections are conducted and a permanent executive committee is elected.
The newly formed team aims to reinvigorate the tourism sector and provide much-needed solutions to industry challenges, ensuring the sustainable growth of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy.
