SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has formally called upon Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address significant challenges faced by tourism stakeholders regarding the renewal of tourism registration certificates. The appeal comes in response to a recent notification (No. Reg/1129/581/DTR dated December 21, 2024) issued by the Director of Tourism, Kashmir, which has raised concerns within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
In a series of meetings aimed at addressing ongoing issues, the KCCI, according to a statement issued here, highlighted their grievances with the complex and time-consuming process required for renewing registration certificates, which currently demands multiple clearances and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments. This convoluted system has resulted in unwarranted delays for stakeholders, including hoteliers, houseboat and guesthouse operators, restaurants, and travel agencies, who are facing mounting challenges.
During a meeting on October 29 at the Civil Secretariat, the KCCI submitted a memorandum detailing these challenges and was assured that the government would work collaboratively on the matter. However, the Chamber expressed disappointment that the latest notification was issued without meaningful consultation with stakeholders, leaving their concerns unaddressed.
The introduction of an online renewal system, aimed at streamlining the process, has failed to alleviate the issue, as stakeholders still struggle with the requirement for NOCs from various departments. KCCI has suggested a delinking of the renewal process from the NOC requirements, citing the efficient practices employed in other regulatory departments such as Income Tax and GST, where inter-departmental clearances are not mandated.
KCCI has also emphasized the plight of older hotels and guesthouses, which were built under earlier regulatory frameworks but are now expected to comply with more recent regulations. This inconsistency places undue burden on longstanding businesses that have contributed significantly to the region’s tourism landscape.
In light of the substantial decline in tourism arrivals to Kashmir since July 2024, KCCI is urging the government to enhance its promotional efforts. The Chamber believes that targeted marketing initiatives are essential to revitalize the sector, attract more visitors, and bolster the local economy, which has suffered despite having substantial tourism inventory available.
The KCCI has urged the government to suspend the recent notification until a pragmatic solution can be developed in consultation with all stakeholders involved. The urgency for constructive dialogue and a streamlined process is paramount as the tourism industry looks to recover from the ongoing challenges it faces.
KCCI urges Chief Omar to streamline tourism registration process amidst growing concerns
