SRINAGAR: Tourism promotional activities in India and elsewhere has not picked at all as the government has not restored internet for tourism players-a pre condition set by stakeholders for making the activity possible.
Nasir Shah, the chairman of JK Pilgrim and Leisure Tour Operators Forum, told Kashmir Reader that the events could not take place because the government so far has not restored internet which is critical before we invite tourist in the Valley.
The events was planned to take place as per the tentative promotional list, in eight Indian states, and four foreign countries, which include Bangladesh, Thailand, Sharjah and Indonesia.
The events were scheduled to start in late December and end in February.
This activity is part of the tourism department which every year invites local tourism players for conducting promotional events in India and abroad. This year, immediately, after the invitation was sent, the players disagree to be apart of these events seeking internet restoration which has been snapped since August when GoI revoked special status of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir.
“Ahead of the December schedule, government held a meeting with all tourism players, who unanimously asked for internet restoration before participating in the event. So far it has not been done,” Nasir added.
At present the tourism sector is witnessing scant arrival of tourists for the fifth month in succession. “Even the upcoming a Christmas and New year eve have not brought any cheer to the people associated with the sector,” said Wahid, a prominent hotelier in the Valley as very few booking are taking place.
Last week Nasir led delegation of ten associations meet Lt Governor GC Murmu for the internet restoration for bringing tourists to the Valley.
“The Lt Governor sahab assured us that it will be restored. He told us to give an undertaking, and list of hoteliers, agents, houseboat owners, whose internet facility has to be restored,” he said.
“We are doing it any day next week, and are hopeful about the outcome,” he said adding that our participation in the promotional event will remain undecided until the internet is restored.

Junaid Nabi Bazaz