The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has welcomed the budget recommendations submitted by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) to the Government ahead of the Annual Budget 2026–27.
In a statement TAAK President Farooq A Kuthoo appreciated KCCI’s focus on tourism and allied sectors.
Kuthoo said Tourism continues to remain the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy and is among the most confidence-sensitive sectors.
The minor disruptions, as highlighted by KCCI, have a direct impact on tourist arrivals and on thousands of livelihoods linked to hospitality, transport, handicrafts and other allied activities.
In this context, the TAAK appreciates key proposals submitted by KCCI including interest subvention, rationalisation of municipal levies, focused tourism promotion, planned destination development, lake restoration, adventure tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation and the revitalisation of Downtown Srinagar.
While endorsing these recommendations, TAAK has also urged the Government to consider dedicated Market Development Assistance Schemes for tour operators, who have played a crucial role in sustaining and reviving tourism during difficult periods.
“Travel and Tour operators are brand ambassadors who have continued to promote Kashmir in domestic and emerging markets despite repeated challenges, at their own cost. The market development assistance schemes will strengthen promotional efforts, help rebuild traveller confidence, and support steady growth in tourist inflows..”
