Srinagar, May 28 (KNS): A delegation from the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), led by Chairman Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, met with Chief Secretary Atul Dulloo and Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal at the Civil Secretariat to discuss several pressing issues faced by the hospitality sector.

As per the statement issued here, the delegation emphasized the urgent need for the renewal of hotel registrations. They argued that hotels operating for many years should not be required to submit documents as if they were new applicants. The lack of timely renewals puts hotel properties at risk. The club sought the Chief Secretary's personal intervention to expedite the renewal process.

The delegation welcomed the inclusion of the tourism industry in the MSME sector under the new industrial policy. They requested that the registration process for tourism enterprises be simplified to align with the "ease of doing business" initiative.

The hoteliers informed the officials that they are prepared to receive Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey requested that bona fide tourists holding reservations in Pahalgam and Sonamarg be allowed hassle-free access to these areas, using their reservation slips as entry passes.

The issue of lease renewal in Gulmarg remains unresolved. The delegation requested permission to carry out necessary maintenance on properties in Gulmarg and the Boulevard area of Srinagar until the lease issues are resolved.

The hoteliers stressed the need for emergency services, including fire fighters and ambulances, to be established in Sonamarg to prevent casualties and mishaps. They also called for an early meeting of the Building Operations Controlling Authority (BOCA) in Sonamarg.

The delegation requested support for the business community through One-Time Settlement (OTS) schemes to address issues related to J&K Bank.

The Chief Secretary and Secretary Tourism assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed promptly.(KNS)