Tourism key employment sector in J&K: Govt
Srinagar, Feb 5: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said tourism continues to be a major source of employment in the Union Territory and that sustained efforts are underway to promote the sector across regions.
In a written reply to a starred question by ruling National Conference MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar, the government said the Tourism Department regularly organises promotional events and festivals across the UT to boost tourist footfall and generate livelihood opportunities.
“These initiatives create diverse livelihood opportunities by engaging event managers, transport operators, digital content creators, hospitality workers, tourist guides, artisans and other service providers,” the government said, adding that such activities also support skill utilisation, entrepreneurship development and sustainable employment generation, particularly among youth.
The government further informed the House that the Tourism Department routinely outsources assets such as cafeterias, huts, parking facilities and entry ticketing, providing both direct and indirect employment opportunities to local youth.
It also said simplified procedural guidelines have been formally notified for the registration of homestays to encourage greater community participation in tourism.
“This initiative aims not only at generating additional employment opportunities but also at strengthening tourism infrastructure in border and rural areas, thereby promoting inclusive and region-balanced tourism development across the Union Territory,” the reply said.
Responding to another query, the government said registration and renewal of guest houses, hotels, homestays, travel agencies and adventure tour operators are now being carried out online and fall under the Public Service Guarantee Act, with approvals assured within 30 days of completion of formalities.
The government acknowledged that the existing tourism registration rules date back to 1978 and said the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Trade Rules are currently under revision to simplify and rationalise procedures, making the system more transparent, user-friendly and time-bound.
