The Biz Reporter
Srinagar: A high-level delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, along with senior representatives of leading tourism trade associations, on Tuesday met the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and held extensive discussions on urgent measures required for the revival of the tourism sector, which continues to face challenges following recent adverse developments.
During the meeting, the KCC&I-led delegation submitted a comprehensive memorandum outlining key policy and administrative interventions aimed at restoring confidence, stabilising operations, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of tourism in the Union Territory.
The delegation acknowledged that under the leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir tourism had earlier witnessed unprecedented growth, marked by record tourist arrivals and investments worth several thousand crores of rupees in hotels and allied hospitality infrastructure.
Briefing the Lieutenant Governor, KCC&I President Mr. Javid Ahmad Tenga said the sector has suffered a severe setback following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in mass cancellations, a sharp fall in tourist inflows, and serious financial distress for hoteliers, transporters, tour operators, guides, houseboat owners, and thousands of daily-wage earners. He said the sector is currently grappling with both demand-side challenges and long-pending regulatory bottlenecks.
Tourism promotion emerged as a major focus of the deliberations, with the Chamber strongly advocating the launch of an aggressive Pan-India and international promotional campaign to rebuild confidence and safeguard forthcoming tourism seasons. The delegation also urged promotion of Kashmir under the ‘Incredible India’ initiative and sought Leave Travel Concession (LTC) priority for Jammu & Kashmir, describing it as a powerful demand-generation and confidence-building measure for domestic tourism.
The issue of renewal of registrations of hotels, houseboats, and guest houses was discussed in detail. The delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor that delays and procedural complexities in renewals are causing serious operational difficulties for hospitality units. It sought the introduction of a single-window, time-bound, and digitised renewal mechanism, with special emphasis on houseboats, described as the crown jewel of Kashmir tourism.
The delegation further stressed the need for a well-defined annual calendar for tourism promotion events, noting that stakeholders currently receive invitations at the last minute, often just a day in advance, limiting effective participation. A pre-announced calendar, it said, would allow better planning, wider engagement, and more impactful promotion of Kashmir as a destination.
It was also requested that renewal applications where requisite documents have already been submitted be deemed provisionally renewed until final decisions are taken, to avoid disruption of business operations.
Other issues raised included extension of lease deeds, challenges faced by hotels under LCMA jurisdiction, infrastructure constraints in congested commercial areas such as Lal Chowk, fire safety compliance under Smart City projects, improved airport-level facilitation, and waiver of municipal and allied fees for the hospitality sector.
The delegation also pressed for a one-time power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers, stating that accumulated power dues, compounded by prolonged downturns in tourism, have placed severe financial stress on businesses. Such an amnesty, they said, would help stabilise struggling units and support the overall revival of the tourism economy.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured 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 mechanisms.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed confidence that under the continued leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Kashmir tourism will 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 of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Members of the Delegation
Mr. Javid Ahmad Tenga – President, KCC&I
Mr. Amir Manzoor Guna – Treasurer, KCC&I; M/s Taj Dal View, Srinagar
Mr. Gowhar Maqbool Mir – President, Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association
Mr. Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo – EC Member, KCC&I; President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir
Mr. Nazir Ahmad Mir – EC Member, KCC&I; Past Chairman, Kashmir Tour Operators
Mr. Showkat Ahmad Pakhtoon – EC Member, KCC&I; Chairman, Pilgrimage & Leisure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir
Mr. Bashir Ahmad Naik – EC Member, KCC&I; Hotelier
Mr. Shamim Ahmad Shah – National Committee Member, Travel Agents Federation of India
Mr. Ather Yameen – Secretary General, SKAL Kashmir
Mr. Nasir Shah – Chairman, Indian Association of Tour Operators
Mr. Rauf Ahmad Tramboo – President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India
Mr. Basharat Hussain – Hotel Radisson Collection
Mr. Waseem Goswami – Secretary General, Travel Agents Society of Kashmir
