Held valley hoteliers demand tourism infrastructure

Srinagar, Feb 7: Expecting a successful tourism season ahead, the Valley-based hoteliers today urged the state government to upgrade tourism infrastructure in the urban areas.

The hoteliers pinned their hopes on Nawang Rigzin Jora, newly inducted Urban Development Minister for giving thrust to the upgradation of the tourism infrastructure in Srinagar.

At a joint press conference by Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Association (KHARA) and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners’ Federation (KHAROF), the hoteliers urged the Urban Development Minister to help upgrade the infrastructure and other basic facilities for tourists to make their stay comfortable.

“Kashmir is back on the tourism track. We need to give our best efforts to make the stay of the tourists comfortable. We have to be good hosts, which is possible only when we have requisite tourism infrastructure,” said KHARA President Showkat Chowdhary.

 Chowdhary said: “We have many tourist places in the urban areas and towns. The role of Urban Development Ministry is very important for the upgradation of tourist infrastructure. The department has to develop basic amenities at the tourist places which can help us give best services to visitors and make their stay more comfortable,” he said.

 KHAROF, President, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi asked the Urban Development Department to build the infrastructure in collaboration with private players while keeping the environmental concerns into consideration.

“We need to create an eco-friendly infrastructure so that the development doesn’t come up at the cost of our environment. The department should also erect lavatory points at every place,” said Bakshi.

Both the presidents resolved to support the Srinagar Municipal Corporation against use of polythene and also in the beautification of the city.

“The SMC has taken good steps to beautify city by planting trees. We have to make our city cleaner and more beautiful and protect our environment for sustainable tourism. The hoteliers will support every move in this direction by the authorities,” the hoteliers said.

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