The Biz Reporter
Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has requested the Jammu and Kashmir government to intervene in resolving critical challenges faced by local tour and travel operators due to the current online booking system for Gondola tickets.
In a detailed communication addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, KCCI highlighted several pressing concerns that are adversely affecting local tourism stakeholders. The difficulty in securing Gondola tickets has resulted in substantial business losses for local operators who rely on these tickets to complete their travel packages and enhance tourist experiences in Kashmir.
Reports indicate that while 3,500 to 4,000 tickets are issued daily, local travel agents are unable to secure allocations even when requested days in advance. Meanwhile, non-local agencies allegedly appear to have preferential access to these tickets, creating a significant competitive disadvantage for local businesses.
The current online booking system is demonstrating serious operational flaws. The portal frequently crashes and becomes unresponsive during peak booking times, making it virtually impossible for local agents to secure necessary tickets for their clients.
The Chamber has expressed concerns regarding limited ticket availability that restricts access for local tourism operators, inefficient management of the Tatkal quota which sells out within minutes, and potential collusion between Gondola personnel and certain online ticketing platforms.
KCCI has requested the Cyber Police to investigate IP addresses involved in mass ticket bookings to identify potentially unfair practices. The Chamber has also called for a comprehensive review of the entire online booking system to ensure equitable access for all travel agencies, with particular emphasis on supporting local businesses.
The intervention of the J&K government is essential to maintaining the integrity of Kashmir’s tourism industry and supporting local businesses that are vital contributors to the regional economy. A more equitable ticketing process will not only benefit local operators but also enhance the overall tourist experience in Kashmir.
