BILAL HUSSAIN
'Peace is imperative for tourism', the state officials, 'mainstream politicians' have been yelling since long and now with separatist camp too has started making the similar noises by mentioning 'tourism contributes heavily to state's economy'; is it so? Tourism, could prove to be a backbone of any region’s economy in normal situation but not the one prevalent in the Valley. And it has never been the case in Kashmir as peace and tourism don't go hand in hand in the state.
Economics of tourism
A glimpse over historic data of the tourism industry reveals that it had undergone lots of tough times, suffered to the extent that it didn't contributed to the economy as is being projected. Tourism has never been a mainstay for the state's economy, however, it touched peak in seventies and even though it contributed not over 10 per cent to J&K's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A cost benefit analysis of the sector, I am sure would question the public investments at the cost of other productive sectors like: agriculture, handicrafts, horticulture, hydro power and many other vital sectors.
Directorate of Economics & Statistics Jammu and Kashmir Economy survey report for 2008-09 mentions that the revenue earnings made under the public sector in tourism sector from 2004-05 till 2007-08 was about INR 103.62 crore. The percentage increase has been 10.48 per cent for the year 2007-08 as compared to 2006-07.
The economic and social impacts on the local community depend on how much of the income is generated by tourists go to the host communities. In most all-inclusive package tours more than 80% of travelers’ fees go to the airlines, hotels and other outside companies, not to local businessmen and workers.
Sorry tale of Employment
On the other hand hotel chain restaurants often import food to satisfy foreign visitors and rarely employ local staff for senior management positions, preventing local farmers and workers from reaping the benefit of their presence. According to news report there are about 125 posts lying vacant in the department of tourism, while over 200 tourism professionals with requisite qualifications are left jobless in the state. Why can't state give them opportunities to serve in the hotels and let them prove their mettle, which in a way would develop human resource for the sector.
Fostering peace
The notion that tourism generates cultural harmony is derived from the 'elitist traditions' of travel in the eighties and today enshrined in the World Tourism Organization's mission statement, which includes the goal of fostering international peace and understanding.
However, claims that tourism is a vital force for peace are exaggerated. Indeed there is little evidence that tourism is drawing the world together (Robinson 1999). Tourism can increase tension, hostility, and suspicion. It has the power to affect cultural change. Little thought is given to the fact that tourism influence can initiate dramatic and irreversible changes within the cultures of host communities.
Ecological footprints
While on ecological front it has many negatives like tourism often grows into mass-tourism. It leads to the over consumption, pollution, and lack of resources. It depends to which extent tourism is developed in a particular region. Every region has its tolerating capacity, that is to say the limit of the incoming influence that doesn't harm the host community. If we overcome that limit negative impacts of tourism will follow.
Increase in the number of domestic and pilgrimage tourist is posing an environmental disaster for the valley. The cosmetic efforts by the state are in no way respite to the suffering ecology of Kashmir . What has been discovered is that increased domestic tourism exacerbated ecological burden without improving economic of the state. However, policy makers should look for sustainable tourism and look for the ecological footprint of tourism activities. And frame the tourism policies taken into account the ecological footprint of tourism.
The number of foreign tourists to the valley has drastically dwindled from the figure of 59938 to 22000 during the years 1988 to 2008 registering a decrease of 63.30 per cent. The main cause of decrease in foreign tourists to Kashmir is due to the advisories issued by different governments overseas.
Over tertiarized
Economy consists of three sectors: primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. The primary sector includes all the economic activities which involve getting goods in their primary form from nature without any value addition i.e. agriculture, livestock, poultry, fishing and forestry etc. The secondary sector includes the economic activities which involve value addition to the primary products i.e. industries. The tertiary sector include all economic activities which provide services to the primary and secondary sector as well as to the final consumers.
The normal course to development that any region takes is development of industrial sector via development in agriculture and then transformation of the tertiary sector to grow into a fully developed service economy. The state didn't ever succeeded in its endeavors to an extent to be self sufficient in food grains and also had a basic industrial base. Jumping in to service sector economy is no way going to be sustainable for the economic health of the state. Instead focusing on primary and secondary sector could go long way to build sound financial system in the state.
Summing up
Owing to these difficulties in the tourism industry and the industry has never proven economically beneficial to the valley. It is high time for policy makers, politicians and other stake holders to look for other prosperous sectors that could yield better financial results and at the same time would be sustainable.
(Author can be contacted at ibilalhussain@gmail.com)
Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Kashmir tourism heats up as mercury dips
Hotel tariffs up by 30 per cent in the Valley
BILAL HUSSAIN
With the tourist influx at its high this season, the hotel tariffs have gone up by 30per cent in the Valley. An air fare to Kashmir too has mounted during the period.
As the mercury dips in the Valley, tourists arrive in droves here to take a respite from the hot summer beyond Jawahir tunnel. President, Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Association (KHARA) Siraj Ahmad said, “This time pleasant weather has been main attraction to the tourists.”
Recent rain in the state has cooled down temperature enough to attract tourists in the state. Tourists prefer to travel Jammu and Kashmir to take some time out from the heat wave in India, Siraj said, “It is vacations time outside, by the end of June it would be over and we would see a slump after it ends. Now it will decline slowly and gradually.”
The high tourist arrival has raised the demand for hotels in Kashmir and this has resulted in high tariffs. According to Siraj it is simple demand-supply that determines the prices in the open market and the same holds true for the hotel industry. Earlier, discounts that the hoteliers offer during off season is simply taken back. “It would be around 30 per cent up compared to what the hotels offer through slump period,” he added.
The air fares, which have proportionally gone higher have not stopped tourists from coming to valley. “Most of the tourists choose air route over the road as it saves their time and trouble involved with it,’ said a travel operator.
There is over 25,000 bed capacity in Kashmir about 80 per cent occupancies are there in the hotels, said Siraj. Compared to last year it has been good summer season for hoteliers, he believes.
J&K's most popular tourists destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarag, Yousmarag etc saw modest rain which brought the temperature down. Tourists are most likely to come from other North Indian states like Punjab, Haryana and Delhi were temperature is relatively hot and it is easy to reach the Valley to enjoy a great weekend.
Kashmir tourism estimations are strongly backed by good hotel booking numbers for past few days. The valley is expecting to remain as a great summer destination for few more weeks depending on the temperature in the state.
However, not all is well to be cherished for. “We don’t have basic infrastructure in place here in the valley. Connectivity is the big issue confronting the tourism sector. Roads, electricity is still a problem,” Siraj laments.
Promote local transporters to cater tourist influx
‘Outside private vehicles used for commercial purposes’
BILAL HUSSAIN
The travel and hotelier associations of Kashmir on Sunday maintained that the state government should uphold and encourage local transporters to cater the tourist influx in the valley.
President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, Rouf Ahmad Tramboo told Kashmir Times that the travel operators of the valley are engulfed with lots of troubles. “The state should promote local private transporters to venture into the tourist transportation sector,” he said, “This would not only help in employment generation but will help the local economy as well.”
The outside transport coaches take advantage of non-availability of the local transports to move around the tourists in the valley. “We don’t have tourist coaches available in the state,” Rouf claims.
According to him the public sector, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, and J&K State Road Transport Corporation, too doesn’t have capacity in terms of tourist coaches. By now the state should have been far better in terms of the tourism facilities.
On the grievance of Maharashtra Tour Organizers Association and reduction of entry tax at Lakhanpur Rouf said that they should be put to higher taxes. On an average, over 200 coaches from outside ply on the valley roads in a day, it is not organized, he added.
He is of the view that the soft loans should be provided to the local tour operators. “We have approached the concerned agencies for all possible support for easy loans. We are being assured but nothing concrete has been achieved as of date,” he said.
He echoed other concern that the private vehicles from outside is being used for commercial activities. “The sate should ensure that no outside private vehicle be used as commercial purposes. This affects our local economy”, he lamented.
The Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Association (KHARA) President, Siraj Ahmad President told said that let the government come up with the concrete policy, which would laurel local tour operates by provide good incentives.
What is need is that the tourists transport both from SRTC and private entrepreneurs to be upgraded with latest hi-tech coaches. So, that the outside coaches would be discouraged, said a local tour operator.
To mention, recently a representation of Maharashtra Tour Organizers Association had a meeting with Minister for Tourism, Rigzin Jora and deliberate upon the issue of charging entry tax of Rs 2000 per bus per day at Lakhanpur by the J&K Transport Department.
BILAL HUSSAIN
The travel and hotelier associations of Kashmir on Sunday maintained that the state government should uphold and encourage local transporters to cater the tourist influx in the valley.
President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, Rouf Ahmad Tramboo told Kashmir Times that the travel operators of the valley are engulfed with lots of troubles. “The state should promote local private transporters to venture into the tourist transportation sector,” he said, “This would not only help in employment generation but will help the local economy as well.”
The outside transport coaches take advantage of non-availability of the local transports to move around the tourists in the valley. “We don’t have tourist coaches available in the state,” Rouf claims.
According to him the public sector, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, and J&K State Road Transport Corporation, too doesn’t have capacity in terms of tourist coaches. By now the state should have been far better in terms of the tourism facilities.
On the grievance of Maharashtra Tour Organizers Association and reduction of entry tax at Lakhanpur Rouf said that they should be put to higher taxes. On an average, over 200 coaches from outside ply on the valley roads in a day, it is not organized, he added.
He is of the view that the soft loans should be provided to the local tour operators. “We have approached the concerned agencies for all possible support for easy loans. We are being assured but nothing concrete has been achieved as of date,” he said.
He echoed other concern that the private vehicles from outside is being used for commercial activities. “The sate should ensure that no outside private vehicle be used as commercial purposes. This affects our local economy”, he lamented.
The Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Association (KHARA) President, Siraj Ahmad President told said that let the government come up with the concrete policy, which would laurel local tour operates by provide good incentives.
What is need is that the tourists transport both from SRTC and private entrepreneurs to be upgraded with latest hi-tech coaches. So, that the outside coaches would be discouraged, said a local tour operator.
To mention, recently a representation of Maharashtra Tour Organizers Association had a meeting with Minister for Tourism, Rigzin Jora and deliberate upon the issue of charging entry tax of Rs 2000 per bus per day at Lakhanpur by the J&K Transport Department.
Favorite tourist destination sans tourism policy
BILAL HUSSAIN
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s non-seriousness could be gauged by the fact that on one side the politicians claims that the tourism industry is the main stay of the state’s economy on other side the state is yet to have a ‘tourism policy’, said the Valley hoteliers under the banner of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA) Thursday in a press conference here.
The President KHARA, Siraj Ahmad, said, “It is quite surprising that the state has no tourism policy in place till date.” The KHARA is of the firm view that a comprehensive tourism policy would act as a proper guide for over all planned and organized growth of tourism industry, particularly in respect of its promotion, infrastructure building, and many other related things. “We have been urging the government since long to have such a policy in place, but as of now there is no tourism policy with the state government,” he maintained.
The KHARA president in the press-conference made an announcement that their association will soon come up with the paper on tourism policy.
The KHARA members said that the renewal of registration at present is one of the burning issues in respect of hotel and restaurant industry. Basically, hotels, guest houses and restaurant are duly registered with the department of tourism and they are required to seek its renewal from the department. Now the department of tourism has almost made it mandatory to obtain letter of consent from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Viewing the importance of renewal of registration certificate, the association deemed it fit and proper to have a joint meeting of the tourism, environment and ecology ministers which was held at Jammu. “No concrete measures were taken in this regard till date. The government should exempt the hostels and restaurants from SPCB consent as it is cumbersome process,” he added.
While alleging the department for discrimination Sirj said that in Jammu the department provides the registration certificate without asking for SPCB consent letter. “Why are we being asked for it as the tourism industry bore the brunt of over past 20 years that too particularly in the Valley?”
The association also raised other issues as well like:
TAX HOLIDAY
Keeping in view both, the importance and plight of Hotel and Restaurant Industry, we plead that Hotel and Restaurant Industry be granted a complete Tax Holiday in respect of VAT.
CONFLICT INSURANCE
The Hotel and Restaurant industry should be provided with the insurance schemes as to secure their investments.
CITY OF SRINAGAR
City, the capital is considered to be the face of a state and city always reflects the first impression to a visitor or a tourist. However, in Kashmir its city “SRINAGAR” presents an ugly look. It has been virtually turned into a garbage bin. Nothing in the city is in proper condition, may it be roads, drainage and sewerage system, electricity, traffic, water bodies, heritage sites, tourist sites, even if we see the condition of the Capital of the city LAL CHOWK, it speaks for itself. We may not hesitate to state that we are living in a city which indeed is poor, both in hygienic and civic sense as well. To start with, main Tourist areas like Boulevard and around, Lal Chowk, and other Tourist areas may be considered to be taken in hand for their face lifting on priority basis.
Viewing the present poor scenario of the city of Srinagar, it very much becomes imperative for the Ministry of Finance of the State to take all measures to ensure healthier infrastructure in the city of Srinagar for the betterment of Tourism. Government intervention as regards the face-lifting of Srinagar city is necessary and appropriate allocation of special funds be earmarked to meet the purpose.
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s non-seriousness could be gauged by the fact that on one side the politicians claims that the tourism industry is the main stay of the state’s economy on other side the state is yet to have a ‘tourism policy’, said the Valley hoteliers under the banner of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA) Thursday in a press conference here.
The President KHARA, Siraj Ahmad, said, “It is quite surprising that the state has no tourism policy in place till date.” The KHARA is of the firm view that a comprehensive tourism policy would act as a proper guide for over all planned and organized growth of tourism industry, particularly in respect of its promotion, infrastructure building, and many other related things. “We have been urging the government since long to have such a policy in place, but as of now there is no tourism policy with the state government,” he maintained.
The KHARA president in the press-conference made an announcement that their association will soon come up with the paper on tourism policy.
The KHARA members said that the renewal of registration at present is one of the burning issues in respect of hotel and restaurant industry. Basically, hotels, guest houses and restaurant are duly registered with the department of tourism and they are required to seek its renewal from the department. Now the department of tourism has almost made it mandatory to obtain letter of consent from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Viewing the importance of renewal of registration certificate, the association deemed it fit and proper to have a joint meeting of the tourism, environment and ecology ministers which was held at Jammu. “No concrete measures were taken in this regard till date. The government should exempt the hostels and restaurants from SPCB consent as it is cumbersome process,” he added.
While alleging the department for discrimination Sirj said that in Jammu the department provides the registration certificate without asking for SPCB consent letter. “Why are we being asked for it as the tourism industry bore the brunt of over past 20 years that too particularly in the Valley?”
The association also raised other issues as well like:
TAX HOLIDAY
Keeping in view both, the importance and plight of Hotel and Restaurant Industry, we plead that Hotel and Restaurant Industry be granted a complete Tax Holiday in respect of VAT.
CONFLICT INSURANCE
The Hotel and Restaurant industry should be provided with the insurance schemes as to secure their investments.
CITY OF SRINAGAR
City, the capital is considered to be the face of a state and city always reflects the first impression to a visitor or a tourist. However, in Kashmir its city “SRINAGAR” presents an ugly look. It has been virtually turned into a garbage bin. Nothing in the city is in proper condition, may it be roads, drainage and sewerage system, electricity, traffic, water bodies, heritage sites, tourist sites, even if we see the condition of the Capital of the city LAL CHOWK, it speaks for itself. We may not hesitate to state that we are living in a city which indeed is poor, both in hygienic and civic sense as well. To start with, main Tourist areas like Boulevard and around, Lal Chowk, and other Tourist areas may be considered to be taken in hand for their face lifting on priority basis.
Viewing the present poor scenario of the city of Srinagar, it very much becomes imperative for the Ministry of Finance of the State to take all measures to ensure healthier infrastructure in the city of Srinagar for the betterment of Tourism. Government intervention as regards the face-lifting of Srinagar city is necessary and appropriate allocation of special funds be earmarked to meet the purpose.
KHARA demands loan waiver
‘GoI package fails to revive tourism sector in Valley’
BILAL HUSSAIN
SRINAGAR: The Valley hoteliers under the banner of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA) today demanded Jammu and Kashmir government to waive of advances to hoteliers for revival of their business by the various banks operational in the valley.
According to the KHARA the Government of India while realizing the plight and importance of Tourism Industry of Kashmir, granted a package— Prime Minister’s Soft Loan Package— for ‘Generation of employment through revival of Tourism’ vide Government of India (Department of Tourism) notification No. 13(18)/2003-MRD dated September 8, 2003.
The President KHARA, Siraj Ahmad, while giving details about the package told Kashmir Times that the implementation process of the said package was simple and straight as envisaged in its guidelines. “The package failed to review the tourism sector in the Valley,” he lamented.
The guidelines envisage: A Coordination Committee would be set up with Secretary (Tourism) Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir as the Chairman and State level representatives of the banks. This committee would approve the cases which would be eligible for the benefit under scheme. All these cases should be brought up before the Committee after the banks have sanctioned the loans. The Committee would also submit its recommendation to Department of Tourism, Government of India (GoI) for release of funds, Siraj said.
Funds would be released to the Banks through the State Govt. The funds would be released based on the interest burden worked out by the bank, so that the party bears only 4 per cent interest. The subsidy would be limited to difference between PLR (Prime Lending Rate) and 4 per cent. The amount would be deposited in the Bank in advance. The banks have to use this for crediting the loan accounts of the beneficiaries. The interest earned on the deposited amount should be used for the scheme.
However, the implementation in terms of the laid down guidelines have not taken place in letter and sprit but in violation to it, Siraj lamented. “The coordination committee at that time was setup at a very later stage. Besides, a cumbersome procedure was adopted by the implementing agency as a result of which a considerable number of Hotels and Guest Houses could not avail the package,” Siraj hold the committee responsible.
The interest amount above 4 per cent as subsidy to be paid by the GoI through Department of Tourism has never been deposited in advance in the banks as envisaged in the scheme, he alleges. “The irony is that for last two years no amount on account of said subsidy above 4 per cent has been deposited in the accounts of the beneficiaries.”
Non-compliance on the part of the Department of Tourism has rendered the package ineffective as a result of which “the hotelier’s accounts in the banks and financial institutions are running in red.” The beneficiaries of the scheme have been rendered as defaulters for no fault of theirs. Besides, due to poor tourism scenario prevailing in the valley, particularly since June 2008 when Shri Amarnath Ji land row erupted in the valley, the hotels and Guest Houses having availed the facility of the said package, have not been able to make regular re-payments towards the banks and financial institutions. The hotels and the guest houses have already made considerable repayments towards their banks and financial institutions in respect of the package, he said.
According to president KHARA the state Department of Tourism has already received Interest subsidy amount from the GoI which they were obliged to deposit in the accounts of the beneficiaries in advance. “But the fact remains that the non-disbursement of the said interest subsidy on the part of Department of Tourism has made beneficiaries to suffer. “We have learnt that only a meager portion of interest subsidy that too not in time has been released to be adjusted in the accounts of the beneficiaries by the Department of Tourism in respect of the Hotels and Guest Houses.”
To mention, the KHARA has already taken up the mater with the J&K finance minister, Abdul Rahim Rather, in the previous meeting over here. “We urge the state government to waver of the loan along with the interest,” he said.
High official in the department of tourism, who wished not to be named, told Kashmir Times that the proposal of one time settlement is in active consideration with the department. “We are collecting information form the banks on the same,” he added.
BILAL HUSSAIN
SRINAGAR: The Valley hoteliers under the banner of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA) today demanded Jammu and Kashmir government to waive of advances to hoteliers for revival of their business by the various banks operational in the valley.
According to the KHARA the Government of India while realizing the plight and importance of Tourism Industry of Kashmir, granted a package— Prime Minister’s Soft Loan Package— for ‘Generation of employment through revival of Tourism’ vide Government of India (Department of Tourism) notification No. 13(18)/2003-MRD dated September 8, 2003.
The President KHARA, Siraj Ahmad, while giving details about the package told Kashmir Times that the implementation process of the said package was simple and straight as envisaged in its guidelines. “The package failed to review the tourism sector in the Valley,” he lamented.
The guidelines envisage: A Coordination Committee would be set up with Secretary (Tourism) Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir as the Chairman and State level representatives of the banks. This committee would approve the cases which would be eligible for the benefit under scheme. All these cases should be brought up before the Committee after the banks have sanctioned the loans. The Committee would also submit its recommendation to Department of Tourism, Government of India (GoI) for release of funds, Siraj said.
Funds would be released to the Banks through the State Govt. The funds would be released based on the interest burden worked out by the bank, so that the party bears only 4 per cent interest. The subsidy would be limited to difference between PLR (Prime Lending Rate) and 4 per cent. The amount would be deposited in the Bank in advance. The banks have to use this for crediting the loan accounts of the beneficiaries. The interest earned on the deposited amount should be used for the scheme.
However, the implementation in terms of the laid down guidelines have not taken place in letter and sprit but in violation to it, Siraj lamented. “The coordination committee at that time was setup at a very later stage. Besides, a cumbersome procedure was adopted by the implementing agency as a result of which a considerable number of Hotels and Guest Houses could not avail the package,” Siraj hold the committee responsible.
The interest amount above 4 per cent as subsidy to be paid by the GoI through Department of Tourism has never been deposited in advance in the banks as envisaged in the scheme, he alleges. “The irony is that for last two years no amount on account of said subsidy above 4 per cent has been deposited in the accounts of the beneficiaries.”
Non-compliance on the part of the Department of Tourism has rendered the package ineffective as a result of which “the hotelier’s accounts in the banks and financial institutions are running in red.” The beneficiaries of the scheme have been rendered as defaulters for no fault of theirs. Besides, due to poor tourism scenario prevailing in the valley, particularly since June 2008 when Shri Amarnath Ji land row erupted in the valley, the hotels and Guest Houses having availed the facility of the said package, have not been able to make regular re-payments towards the banks and financial institutions. The hotels and the guest houses have already made considerable repayments towards their banks and financial institutions in respect of the package, he said.
According to president KHARA the state Department of Tourism has already received Interest subsidy amount from the GoI which they were obliged to deposit in the accounts of the beneficiaries in advance. “But the fact remains that the non-disbursement of the said interest subsidy on the part of Department of Tourism has made beneficiaries to suffer. “We have learnt that only a meager portion of interest subsidy that too not in time has been released to be adjusted in the accounts of the beneficiaries by the Department of Tourism in respect of the Hotels and Guest Houses.”
To mention, the KHARA has already taken up the mater with the J&K finance minister, Abdul Rahim Rather, in the previous meeting over here. “We urge the state government to waver of the loan along with the interest,” he said.
High official in the department of tourism, who wished not to be named, told Kashmir Times that the proposal of one time settlement is in active consideration with the department. “We are collecting information form the banks on the same,” he added.
‘Kashmir has always been in demand’
Cox and Kings Ltd offers economical packages to tourists visiting Kashmir
BILAL HUSSAIN
SRINAGAR: The Cox and Kings (India), Ltd— one of the oldest and most reputed travel organizations in India— is promoting Jammu and Kashmir tourism by attractive offers to tourists intending to visit Kashmir. The Cox and Kings have announced few packages that according to them are at comparatively lower rates to entice tourists to make a trip to the valley.
Head, Relationships and Supplier Management, Cox and Kings (India), Ltd, Karan Anand, in an email response to Kashmir Times said, “We have introduced a range of packages for Kashmir as we feel that there is demand from places such as Delh, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Pune. Kashmir has always been in demand and it continues to be one of the main attractions amongst domestic tourists.”
The company provides packages like: Flavour of Kashmir, a 5-days/ 4-nights package to Srinagar, Sonmarg and Gulmarg priced at Rs 11,041.
Kashmir Experience, a 6-days/ 5-nights package to Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam priced at Rs 13,041.
Glorious Kashmir, a 7-days/ 6-nights package to Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam priced at Rs 15,851.
Kashmir – Paradise on Earth, a 8-days/ 7-nights package to Pahalgam, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Katra priced at Rs 20,328.
To mention, past year, 82 lakh pilgrims visited cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi, 8 lakh pilgrims visited Shiv Khori, 4,75,050 tourists, including 23,636 foreigners, visited Kashmir valley, nearly 4 lakh pilgrims visited Amarnath cave shrine and 78,573 tourists, including 41 thousand foreigners, visited Ladakh region.
In a move to promote tourism in Kashmir the state tourism department has declared 2010 as 'Visit Kashmir' year for domestic and international tourists. The department hopes that this would be the best year to record the arrival of largest number of tourists to the state.
Experts in the field believe that the tourism department and allied agencies should showcase Kashmir as the safe place to visit and should work hard to convince the European and Commonwealth countries by asking them not to issue advisories on travel to Kashmir.
Cox and Kings (India) Ltd. is the longest established company in the world in 1758, is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India. The business of the company can be broadly categorised as Leisure Travel, Corporate Travel, Forex and Visa Processing. The company has won several awards and recognition. It has been ranked 1 Top Brands in India and 152 amongst Top 1000 Brands in the Asia Pacific region, based on a survey conducted by research agency, TNS and co-funded by Media magazine across the markets of 10 countries in the Asia Pacific, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. It has a global presence with its operations in 19 countries besides India through subsidiaries, branch offices and representative offices. We have subsidiaries in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, US, UAE and Singapore and operates from Moscow (Russia), Maldives and Tahiti through our branch offices and Spain, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, South America and South Africa through our representative offices. Further, we have presence in overseas markets through a network of GSAs and PSAs covering other countries enhancing our global presence.
BILAL HUSSAIN
SRINAGAR: The Cox and Kings (India), Ltd— one of the oldest and most reputed travel organizations in India— is promoting Jammu and Kashmir tourism by attractive offers to tourists intending to visit Kashmir. The Cox and Kings have announced few packages that according to them are at comparatively lower rates to entice tourists to make a trip to the valley.
Head, Relationships and Supplier Management, Cox and Kings (India), Ltd, Karan Anand, in an email response to Kashmir Times said, “We have introduced a range of packages for Kashmir as we feel that there is demand from places such as Delh, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Pune. Kashmir has always been in demand and it continues to be one of the main attractions amongst domestic tourists.”
The company provides packages like: Flavour of Kashmir, a 5-days/ 4-nights package to Srinagar, Sonmarg and Gulmarg priced at Rs 11,041.
Kashmir Experience, a 6-days/ 5-nights package to Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam priced at Rs 13,041.
Glorious Kashmir, a 7-days/ 6-nights package to Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam priced at Rs 15,851.
Kashmir – Paradise on Earth, a 8-days/ 7-nights package to Pahalgam, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Katra priced at Rs 20,328.
To mention, past year, 82 lakh pilgrims visited cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi, 8 lakh pilgrims visited Shiv Khori, 4,75,050 tourists, including 23,636 foreigners, visited Kashmir valley, nearly 4 lakh pilgrims visited Amarnath cave shrine and 78,573 tourists, including 41 thousand foreigners, visited Ladakh region.
In a move to promote tourism in Kashmir the state tourism department has declared 2010 as 'Visit Kashmir' year for domestic and international tourists. The department hopes that this would be the best year to record the arrival of largest number of tourists to the state.
Experts in the field believe that the tourism department and allied agencies should showcase Kashmir as the safe place to visit and should work hard to convince the European and Commonwealth countries by asking them not to issue advisories on travel to Kashmir.
Cox and Kings (India) Ltd. is the longest established company in the world in 1758, is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India. The business of the company can be broadly categorised as Leisure Travel, Corporate Travel, Forex and Visa Processing. The company has won several awards and recognition. It has been ranked 1 Top Brands in India and 152 amongst Top 1000 Brands in the Asia Pacific region, based on a survey conducted by research agency, TNS and co-funded by Media magazine across the markets of 10 countries in the Asia Pacific, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. It has a global presence with its operations in 19 countries besides India through subsidiaries, branch offices and representative offices. We have subsidiaries in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, US, UAE and Singapore and operates from Moscow (Russia), Maldives and Tahiti through our branch offices and Spain, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, South America and South Africa through our representative offices. Further, we have presence in overseas markets through a network of GSAs and PSAs covering other countries enhancing our global presence.
Tourism trade bodies to seek repeal of 'black' laws
BILAL HUSSAIN
Srinagar: The J&K Tourism Alliance, (JKTA), a conglomerate of various tourism bodies, is holding its 6th Tourism Seminar themed as "Tourism to J&K – challenges and way out" in Jammu on Tuesday.
The seminar which will be inaugurated by Nawang Rigzin Jora, minister for Tourism and Culture, has a twelve point programme/agenda to promote tourism in the state.
Giving details a spokesman of the JKTA told Greater Kashmir that given good hopes about tourism this year in Kashmir, the JKTA would focus on certain critical sectors that need to be addressed. He said the tourism trade fraternity would emphasize among others on abrogation of Disturbed Area and Armed Forces Special Power Act to pave way for removal of travel advisories by the European Countries, US, Britain, Australia & others.
The JKTA would also emphasis the need for amending the Tourist Trade Act to make it transparent and industry oriented. "All associations need be consulted in its reformation," he said.
Other demands to be raised at the seminar would be: Environment and the fragile ecology in the state, specially Vaishnodevi, Amarnath, Vaishnodevi, Charar –E– Sharief, Hemis & Alchi in Ladakh & other tourist areas to be declared as "Reserved Areas" . Protection of wild life a must. Exemption of all Taxes, viz. Service Tax, VAT etc to be exempted till Tourism restores to its pristine Glory. Complete Tax Holiday to be announced as was recently announced for Delhi. Since Tourism is already declared as Industry, all industrial benefits & safeguards to be provided like reduction in Electric Tariffs, Transport Subsidy, Stamp Duty Exemption on Registration is given. Marketing Management Subsidy to be given to all Tour Operators on their expenses on Traveling to various Indian Cities & expenses involved on Brochure / CD & Other Publication cost.
Besides the Taxis of Taxi Unions at Jammu Railway Station / Jammu Airport, Taxis of Other Unions / Hoteliers or Tour Operators be allowed to receive their guests without any hindrance or pressure as it causes immense inconvenience to intending visitors. Traffic Department to avoid unnecessary checking of Tourist Vehicles & Security Forces to avoid frisking of Tourists at many entry points to Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, particularly at Batote, Banihal, Sonamarg & Minamarg etc.
Government to set up Tourism Advisory Committees at all tourist & pilgrim destination. Tourism development authorities to be empowered to develop green field areas in consultation with experts in the field of tourism. All such members involved in the planning & development of such destinations should have tourism back ground.
Destinations such as Gurez, Dudhpathri, Bangus valley in Kashmir region, Mantalai & Shivkhori in Jammu regions and Pangong, Nubra, Tsomo-Riri & sham side in Ladakh region to be purely promoted on eco tourism basis, to be provided with better roads connectivity, communication system, adventure facilities & equipment, filtered drinking water supply to hotels & resorts, advanced sewerage treatment plants & al resorts to be developed keeping in mind the fragile environment of such places. All projects to be allowed as per approved master plan.
Local entrepreneurs to be supported with financial subsidies & encourage developing its field of business at par with international hotel / resort chains & MNC's. Government to discourage outsiders to build up tourism projects in J&K as locals are skilled & capable to rise to occasion. Use of latest information technology & to keep pace with developed states; here I need to sincerely thank our Hon'ble Tourism Minister who has already supported our concern.
Local bodies, towns are committees, Jammu & Srinagar municipal corporations to be empowered financially & technically for upliftment of Tourist Areas & Beautification of Important Landmarks.
Tourists transport both from SRTC & Private Entrepreneurs to be upgraded with latest hi-tech coaches. Institute of Management & Public Enterprises to be involved more in creating tourism awareness by holding training to various categories of people, such as tourist taxi drivers, hotel & travel agency staff.
Traffic management in most of the tourist area to be improved & all constituents of J&K Tourism Alliance will support the Dept.
Restrict construction of hotels for sustenance of a resort place, however, eco friendly boutique retreats to be encouraged where ever it is necessary, such as Sonamarg, Gurez etc & other such places in Jammu & Ladakh where ever it s necessary. Public awareness to be publicized & made to understand that tourists are important to J&K particularly government agencies to facilitate tourist related projects on priority.
At the end promotion, publicity & marketing to be done aggressively on large scale by way of participation in all national & International conferences – conventions – exhibitions - marts, viz ITMS, TTF'S, SATTE, TAAI – ADTOI – IATO In India & WTM – London, BIT – Milan, ITB – Berlin, MATTA – Malaysia, ITB Asia – Singapore, PATA & ASTA etc in Europe etc to show a strong presence & brand J&K with potentiality of Kashmir & Ladakh as Top Products and to be our USP's, holding of tourism seminars, road shows, publication of festival calendars, high end golf tournaments, ski, rafting & other aquatic championships. Local tour operators from all three regions to be involved in such activities. Towering personality to be appointed as Brand Ambassador of J&K. MICE Segment to be created at the earliest.
Tourists in droves leave Valley
Tourists in droves leave Valley
BILAL HUSSAIN
Srinagar, June 29: As the whole Kashmir is out on streets protesting the transfer land to Hindu shrine board, the tourists in large numbers are leaving the Valley. This year the tourists flow in the Valley had touched a record figure of 4,00,000 in the first six months of the current fiscal only and huge numbers of tourist were expected by the end of the year, local tour operators said. According to the Chairman Travel Agents Association of India, TAAI, (Kashmir chapter) Nasir Shah told Greater Kashmir that massive cancellations have from the foreign tourists have started. Visitor here are leaving before their departure dates. "Those who are present here are leaving before their scheduled departure," Nasir confirmed. Tourism may be a priority for the government but not at all times. Earlier the local administration in the Valley, according to an hotelier in Kashmir, had forcibly vacated many tourists staying in JK Tourism Development Corporation huts to accommodate officials on yatra duty. "Government's indifference has made the tourism industry to suffer in the Valley," Nasir said. A local tour operator said more around 4 lakh tourists had visited the Valley this year and they were hopeful of record-breaking tourist arrivals in Kashmir this year. The tour operators say the violent clashes between police and protesters have scared away thousands of visitors, hurting Valley's tourism industry. President, KHAROF, Lateef Ahmad Bhat, said that this year the tourist inflow in the Valley was good but the on going protests have forced them to leave. "Most of them have checked out from hotel in Valley," he said, "Round about 20,000 tourist would have checked-out in these days." According to Bhat non-availability of food and transport have forced tourists to vacate their rooms. "Right decision at right time by the government could review the tourism industry in the Valley. Government should look at the people's aspirations," he said. It was for the first time that world famous Dal Lake literally was locked up. There was not even a single joy ride in the Dal Lake, tour operator said. "Killing of youths here in the Valley has further aggravated the condition, looking at the sentiments of the general masses government should revoke the order at earliest," he said. Thousands of people were on the streets jingling "we want freedom", in Srinagar and other districts of the state, while worried tourists peered through hotel windows. "Tourisms contributes to the state economy and now because of the present situation its has adverse affects on Kashmir economy. The tourists inflow has almost stopped in the past few days," Mehraj-ud-din wani, a local banker said. Several associations of tourism traders while demanding immediate withdrawal of the order accused the government of striking a blow to the tourism industry. Earlier the director, Shiraz Travels Nazir Ahmad Bakshi told Greater Kashmir in a situation that is prevailing in the state, the government should have reassured the tourist, hoteliers and travel agencies, which it has not done so far. Mention to be made that none of the tourists has been harmed till now in Kashmir. The hoteliers blame government for losses they suffer. "This year we had got full bookings for hotel rooms for three months in advance. But the government's decision on land transfer has dented our business and poured water on our expectations," said an hotelier pleading anonymity. Foreign tourists have also cancelled their travel programmes to the Valley in the wake of the turbulent condition in Kashmir. "I had booking for tourists from Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. But all of them have cancelled their booking and I have suffered huge losses," said an owner of a local travel agency. Meanwhile Travel Agents Society of Kashmir has urged the state government and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to settle the forestland land transfer issue judiciously to save the tourism industry of Kashmir from further losses. "At present tourism industry is the most sufferer. We urge government and SASB to solve the dispute amicably," TASK said.
Valley tourism traders suffer huge losses; say government responsible
Valley tourism traders suffer huge losses; say government responsible
Entrust management of yatra to tourism deptt: KCCI, FCIK
BILAL HUSSAIN
Srinagar: The Valley tourism traders including the hoteliers and travel operators are presently a disappointed lot. The chaos that the government order on forestland transfer to SASB has created, they say, has immensely affected their business, with tourists in Kashmir curtailing their stays and those expected to come cancelling their bookings. Several associations of tourism traders while demanding immediate withdrawal of the order accused the government of striking a blow to the tourism industry. "Government by its land transfer order, which is totally unwarranted, besides creating a huge controversy in the state, has affected our business. If the order is not withdrawn we fear huge cancellations may follow," said representative of a tourism traders' organization. Director, Shiraz Travels Nazir Ahmad Bakshi told Greater Kashmir that in the first half of this year "we had around 4 lakh tourists in the Valley." According to Bakshi there were some cancellations so far, but "large cancellations could be expected in two to three days." Bakshi said since the India-US nuclear deal was presently the top story in India, it has to some extent stopped the cancellations by the tourists. "But now the tourists have begun to make queries and if the condition did not improve in one or two days, there could be huge cancellations," Bakshi said. He said, "In a situation that is prevailing in the state, the government should have reassured the tourist, hoteliers and travel agencies, which it has not done so far," he said, adding that it was encouraging that none of the tourists has been harmed till now in Kashmir. Chairman Travel Agents Association of India, TAAI, (Kashmir chapter) Nasir Shah said that lots of cancellations have already started and many tourists have postponed their visits to Kashmir. "Those who are present here are leaving before their scheduled departures," he confirmed. "Government's indifference has made the tourism industry to suffer in the Valley," he said. "In my 30 years of career in travel business, I have for the first time seen world famous Dal Lake literally locked up. There was not even a single joy ride in the Dal Lake," he said. "Killing of three youths here in the Valley has further aggravated the condition, looking at the sentiments of the general masses government should revoke the order at earliest," he said. The hoteliers blame government for losses they suffer. "This year we had got full bookings for hotel rooms for three months in advance. But the government's decision on land transfer has dented our business and poured water on our expectations," said a hotelier pleading anonymity. Foreign tourists have also cancelled their travel programmes to the Valley in the wake of the turbulent condition in Kashmir. "I had booking for tourists from Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. But all of them have cancelled their booking and I have suffered huge losses," said an owner of a local travel agency.
Entrust management of yatra to tourism deptt: KCCI, FCIK
BILAL HUSSAIN
Srinagar: The Valley tourism traders including the hoteliers and travel operators are presently a disappointed lot. The chaos that the government order on forestland transfer to SASB has created, they say, has immensely affected their business, with tourists in Kashmir curtailing their stays and those expected to come cancelling their bookings. Several associations of tourism traders while demanding immediate withdrawal of the order accused the government of striking a blow to the tourism industry. "Government by its land transfer order, which is totally unwarranted, besides creating a huge controversy in the state, has affected our business. If the order is not withdrawn we fear huge cancellations may follow," said representative of a tourism traders' organization. Director, Shiraz Travels Nazir Ahmad Bakshi told Greater Kashmir that in the first half of this year "we had around 4 lakh tourists in the Valley." According to Bakshi there were some cancellations so far, but "large cancellations could be expected in two to three days." Bakshi said since the India-US nuclear deal was presently the top story in India, it has to some extent stopped the cancellations by the tourists. "But now the tourists have begun to make queries and if the condition did not improve in one or two days, there could be huge cancellations," Bakshi said. He said, "In a situation that is prevailing in the state, the government should have reassured the tourist, hoteliers and travel agencies, which it has not done so far," he said, adding that it was encouraging that none of the tourists has been harmed till now in Kashmir. Chairman Travel Agents Association of India, TAAI, (Kashmir chapter) Nasir Shah said that lots of cancellations have already started and many tourists have postponed their visits to Kashmir. "Those who are present here are leaving before their scheduled departures," he confirmed. "Government's indifference has made the tourism industry to suffer in the Valley," he said. "In my 30 years of career in travel business, I have for the first time seen world famous Dal Lake literally locked up. There was not even a single joy ride in the Dal Lake," he said. "Killing of three youths here in the Valley has further aggravated the condition, looking at the sentiments of the general masses government should revoke the order at earliest," he said. The hoteliers blame government for losses they suffer. "This year we had got full bookings for hotel rooms for three months in advance. But the government's decision on land transfer has dented our business and poured water on our expectations," said a hotelier pleading anonymity. Foreign tourists have also cancelled their travel programmes to the Valley in the wake of the turbulent condition in Kashmir. "I had booking for tourists from Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. But all of them have cancelled their booking and I have suffered huge losses," said an owner of a local travel agency.
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