The Biz Reporter
SRINAGAR, Mar 6 – In a strong show of unity, Kashmir’s major travel and tourism associations have jointly condemned the sudden cancellation of confirmed hotel bookings in Gulmarg to accommodate participants of the rescheduled Khelo India 2025 event, calling the move “unfair and unacceptable.”
The Travel Agents Federation of India – J&K Chapter (TAFI – JKC), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India – J&K Chapter (ADTOI – JKC), and Indian Association of Tour Operators – J&K Chapter (IATO – JKC), along with several other tourism bodies, have issued a joint statement expressing serious concerns over the displacement of tourists who had already confirmed and paid for their accommodations.
According to the statement, the Khelo India winter games were originally scheduled from February 22 to 25, 2025, but were postponed due to insufficient snowfall. The event has now been rescheduled for March 7 to 13, 2025, leading to widespread cancellations of pre-existing tourist bookings at the direction of the District Sports Officer and the J&K Government.
“Forcibly reallocating hotels at the cost of pre-booked tourists will cause significant inconvenience to travelers who have paid in advance for their holidays,” the statement reads. “This will likely lead to financial losses and potential legal disputes, with many tourists expected to seek redress in Consumer Court, holding hoteliers, the Sports Department, and the J&K Government fully liable for the disruptions.”
Tourism industry leaders have pointed out that Gulmarg is an internationally recognized destination, and such last-minute disruptions severely damage its reputation. They suggested that Khelo India athletes could have been accommodated in nearby areas like Tangmarg, Kunzar, or Srinagar, allowing them to commute daily to Gulmarg without affecting existing tourist bookings.
The associations have also criticized a recent traffic advisory issued by SSP – Traffic Rural, which cited slippery road conditions from Kunzar for Tempo and PSV Vehicles. “Ground reports confirm that there are no such hazardous conditions on the said route. It appears that unnecessary restrictions are being imposed due to Khelo India, which is damaging the tourist experience and tarnishing Kashmir’s image as a travel-friendly destination,” the statement asserts.
The tourism bodies have appealed directly to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, to intervene immediately and ensure that tourist bookings in Gulmarg hotels remain undisturbed. They have also requested the Traffic Department to avoid imposing unnecessary restrictions based on what they claim are false reports.
“Events like Khelo India should promote tourism, not disrupt it,” said Nasir Shah, Chairman of IATO – J&K Chapter. “We expect a fair and balanced resolution that safeguards the interests of tourists, travel agents, and hoteliers while ensuring the successful execution of the sporting event.”
The statement has been endorsed by multiple tourism stakeholders, including Shamim Shah (Chairman, TAFI – J&K Chapter), Mir Anwar (Chairman, ADTOI – J&K Chapter), Waseem Gossani (Secretary General, TASK), Showkat Pakhtoon (Chairman, JKPILTOF), Noor Mohammad Shangloo (Chairman, JKTA), and Sameer Baktoo (Chairman, TAAI – J&K Chapter).
This controversy comes at a time when Kashmir’s tourism sector has been showing strong signs of recovery, with record tourist arrivals reported in recent months. Industry observers note that such disputes could potentially impact the momentum of growth in the region’s tourism economy.
Tourism experts emphasize that proper planning and coordination between government departments are essential to balance the needs of promoting sports tourism while maintaining the integrity of existing tourism commitments.
The J&K Government and Sports Department officials have yet to respond to these allegations and demands as of press time.
