In a first, J&K’s business fraternity comes under single banner: JKTABF

Srinagar, Oct 9: A meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism & Allied Business Forum (JKTABF) was chaired by its Chairman Mushtaq Chaya, which was attended by key stakeholders from across J&K, who are directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry, said a press release.

The meeting witnessed participation from representatives of hotels, guest houses, homestays, houseboat owners, travel agents, shikara associations, the handicraft sector, pony wallas, environmentalists, and other allied travel and tourism stakeholders including Jammu & Kashmir Hotels Club, FICCI, Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, Hoteliers Club (Khara Khurof Combine, Sonmarg Chapter, Gulmarg Chapter, Doodhpathri Chapter), Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK), Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Travel Agents Association of India – J&K Chapter (TAAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators – J&K Chapter (IATO), Association of Domestic Tour Operators – J&K Chapter (ADTOI), SKAL International – J&K Club, NATTA Kashmir, Kashmir Handicraft Association, Kashmir Pashmina Organisation, Eco-Tourism Society of Kashmir, Pahalgam Hotel Association, President of the Shikara Owners Association, CCIK, Adventure Tour Operators of Kashmir, representatives from the Tourist Taxi Association, as well as representatives from Katra, Jammu, Kargil, and Drass, along with prominent hoteliers, pony wallas, and members from the general trade.

“The forum marked the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir following the unfortunate Pahalgam incident and held detailed discussions on strategies to further strengthen and promote the region’s tourism potential. During the deliberations, special emphasis was laid on the following key points including extension of subsidies for film tourism, as several production houses are keen to shoot in Jammu and Kashmir, provided the incentives are aligned with other states and promotion of sports tourism to attract national and international sporting events and other issues,” said the press release.

It was decided that a delegation from the forum will soon meet the Commissioner Secretary of Tourism to discuss effective strategies for tourism marketing and promotion.

In addition to meeting the Secretary Tourism, it was also decided that a series of meetings will be conducted with various officials of the UT government, including the Lieutenant Governor, as well as with the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, to address key industry concerns and explore avenues for greater support and collaboration, it said.

As per the statement, Chairman  Mushtaq Chaya reaffirmed his commitment to the revival and growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that “Tourism is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, and countless people are directly or indirectly dependent on it.” The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all stakeholders expressing unity and determination to work collectively for the sustainable development and global promotion of Jammu and Kashmir as a premier tourism destination.