The recent managing committee meeting of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) at Srinagar concluded on an optimistic note of reviving tourism in Kashmir. Revealed Jehangir Katgara, president, TAAI, “The prime reason to conduct the meeting in J & K (Jammu & Kashmir) was to reaffirm our faith in the destination to the industry. Perception seems to be more grave than reality in J&K as the tourist economy has been completely wiped out.”

The meeting was attended by the chief minister, J&K, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, G A Mir, minister of state for tourism, M Ashraf, director general - tourism, government of J&K as well as other senior tourism officials, members of the J&K chapter and Gulam Nazi Azad, former minister for tourism.

Katgara further expressed optimism over the growth of the tourism industry in Kashmir. A number of issues were addressed to revive the staggering tourism industry of J&K. Citing measures for promoting tourism into the Valley, the president suggested as follows:

• There should be more rail coaches from Srinagar to Katra which in turn would enhance pilgrimage tourism between the two destinations.
• Introduction of Apex fares and lower air fares between Delhi and Srinagar would encourage domestic tourism.
• Putting up names of travel agents operating in and around the valley on the web-site would facilitate TAAI members.
• Promote MICE in a subtle manner to Srinagar as the infrastructure is available to cater to the demands.
• Reasonable packages should be formulated.
• The government should introduce more incentives for the trade, house boat owners etc in the form of interest free loans.
• An Income Tax holiday should be introduced.
• The government should encourage other sectors and associations to conduct their events in the valley which would substantiate the belief in the destination.

The chief minister also informed TAAI members that he would approach the prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and union minister for civil aviation, Shahnawaz Hussein to exempt Srinagar and Jammu air flights from India of Inland Air Travel Tax (IATT) similar to the North-East pattern. Subsequently, TAAI members deliberated upon their plans and efforts to enhance the stature of Kashmir as a tourist destination as tourists are still attracted to the scenic beauty of the valley. The committee also urged the state government to throw open tourist spots like Pahalgam to tourists and locals during Amarnath Yatra and not just to pilgrims. Nazir Bakshi, chairman of TAAI’s J & K chapter was confident of a positive response from the government as discussions relating to the prohibitory orders in visiting Pahalgam during Amarnath Yatra have taken place.