CCIK rallies travel sector for hassle-free Amarnath Yatra, leisure tourism

Srinagar, May 31: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK) held a meeting with all travel heads of Kashmir on Wednesday, addressing critical issues faced by the travel industry and chalking out strategies for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Chaired by Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya and President Tariq Ghani, the meeting at Six Seasons Hotel, Nowgam, witnessed a collective call for ensuring a smooth Yatra while maintaining a seamless experience for leisure tourists visiting Pahalgam and Sonamarg.

"We warmly welcome the Amarnath Yatra, recognizing its significant contribution to the local economy," said Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya. "We are delighted to serve the pilgrims and see this as an opportunity to boost our economy and showcase our hospitality."

However, the CCIK strongly emphasized that the Yatra should not adversely affect leisure tourists visiting the picturesque destinations. "Restrictions should not be imposed on leisure tourists. They should be allowed to travel alongside the Yatris without any hurdles," stated Tariq Ghani.

The meeting highlighted the importance of prioritizing local travel agents of Kashmir, as supporting local businesses is crucial for the sustainable growth of the region's tourism industry.

In a significant move, the CCIK decided to form a Tourism Working Group, headed by Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya and comprising members of the CCIK, Hoteliers Club, and other key tourism stakeholders. This forum will represent and address all issues pertaining to the tourism industry of Kashmir, serving as a unified voice to advocate for the interests and development of the sector.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to work collaboratively to enhance the tourism experience in Kashmir and ensure the welfare of all stakeholders involved, including pilgrims, leisure tourists, and local businesses.