Top Indian Hoteliers Converge in Kashmir to Rekindle Tourism Flame After 38 Years

Srinagar, May 4: In a significant move to revive and promote tourism in the picturesque valley of Kashmir, the All India Hoteliers Federation organized a conclave after a gap of 38 years. The event, held at the prominent Hotel Radisson.

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) organized a stakeholder’s meet to propel tourism development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The motto of the meeting was to explore the untapped tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir and address infrastructure-related concerns, aiming to establish the region as a top tourist destination in India.
The objective of the meet was to create a networking platform for FHRAI leaders from across the country and stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir. This event is an opportunity to showcase the region’s tourism potential, discuss investment opportunities, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. It will help evaluate the visibility of tourism leadership in Jammu and Kashmir.
Those attended the event include key stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, government officials, tourism experts, and potential investors.
Speaking at the occasion, President FHRAI Pradeep Shetty emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “We have been eagerly looking forward to this event, which serves as a crucial platform to unlock the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. By bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders, we anticipate fruitful discussions on infrastructure enhancements, investment opportunities, and strategic collaborations”.
“This event aligns with our vision to promote Jammu & Kashmir as a premier tourism destination in India, and we expect positive outcomes that will pave the way for sustainable growth and development in the Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Mushtaq Chaya, Chairman of Mushtaq Group of Hotels, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Today, 76 hoteliers from across the country have come here for the promotion and development of Kashmir tourism. They will be our ambassadors. Kashmir is the best tourist destination in our country, but due to certain misunderstandings and wrong messages, investors have stayed away. Today, they have come here.”

The conclave served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies and initiatives to revive and enhance tourism in the region, which has faced challenges due to various factors in recent years. Traditional cultural musical performances by prominent female artists added to the event’s allure, captivating delegates and visitors alike.
Chaya highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “An interaction is taking place here between hoteliers. Our only aim is to take the tourism industry to a level where it is up to mark.”
Key topics addressed during the conclave included infrastructure development, safety measures, marketing campaigns, and community engagement to ensure a sustainable and thriving tourism industry in Kashmir.
Girish Obroi, the President of the Hotel Association North India, expressed delight at hosting the significant event, stating, “I am delighted that we have brought here a big event. Small meetings were taking place during the intervening time. I felt glad to see development taking place in Kashmir, and we want to be a part of it.”
The conclave fostered collaboration and collective action towards repositioning Kashmir as a premier tourist destination by bringing together experts, government officials, hospitality professionals, and other stakeholders.
As the event concluded, actionable strategies and recommendations were formulated to address the challenges and capitalize on the immense potential of Kashmir as a tourism hotspot. It is hoped that such initiatives will contribute to the revitalization of the tourism sector in Kashmir and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the valley and its people.