Govt urged to expedite framing of tourism policy

The Domestic Tour Operators Association of Kashmir today urged the Tourism Department to expedite framing of the tourism policy and said the Tourism Advisory Committee framed by the government should have representation of experienced stakeholders.
President of the association Hamid Wangnoo said the policy should focus on promotion of tourism, infrastructure development and address the problems faced by the tourism industry.
“Infrastructure should not come up at the cost of environment. Proper road connectivity, electricity, clean drinking water, washrooms at tourism destinations, especially in Srinagar, should be the priority. Construction of eco-friendly lodges, hotels, huts, shops and parking bays at Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Yusmarg should be taken up under proper master plans so that the environment remains safe,” Wangnoo said.
“There is need for 3, 4 and 5-star hotels to reduce the shortage of accommodation, especially during the peak tourism time in the state. The accommodations should be eco-friendly. There is a need for proper reconstruction of houseboats and their renovation as they are the major tourist attraction,” Wangnoo added.
The tour operators body also urged the government to provide subsidy for the construction and renovation of hotels and houseboats and funding for upgrade of units of tour operators. It suggested setting up of depots where timber would be allotted at subsidised rates for the construction and repair of houseboats and shikaras.
Other suggestions included removal of foreign registration counters at the Srinagar Airport as tourists are registered at the international airports of metropolitan cities, imparting proper training to the service staff at tourist resorts, hotels and houseboats and additional flights on reasonable rates during the summer.