Srinagar, Dec 29: Lashing out at state government for failing to provide industrial benefits to Tourism sector, Hoteliers club today demanded that the state government should give industrial sops to this  sector.
 “Tourism sector was given industrial status many years ago but in real sense tourism players are not given any benefits which other industries in the state receive. We fail to understand that despite being one of the thriving sectors in the state economy, the government is not paying attention towards it,” said Mushtaq Chaya, Chairman, JK Hotelier Club while presiding over an extra-ordinary Annual General Meeting of the Club here. 
 Chaya said that they would take all other tourism associations and alliances in confidence and will urge the state government to provide the benefits of industry to tourism sector.
 Chaya on the behalf of the Club hailed the efforts of Umer Tramboo and Khyber Group for giving Kashmir valley one of the best resorts.
 “It is good that Kashmiri entrepreneurs are proving their mettle and we are proud of them,” he said adding that we should encourage young businessman.
 Regarding Master Plan, Hoteliers club urged the state government to allocate specific areas for construction of Hotels and Restaurants. “So that infrastructure for tourists can be constructed in such a way that will not violate the Master Plan directions,” he said.
 While echoing similar concerns, Secretary General, Hoteliers Club, Musadiq Shah said that there was dire need that authorities should put in place single window clearance for building permissions.
 “Current procedure for getting building permission for hotels and restaurants is cumbersome and very hectic. Government should put in place a single window clearance system for permission of any construction,” Shah suggested.
 He said government should focus on building requisite infrastructure in order to encourage tourism sector.
 “There is dire need of uplifting infrastructure in the Kashmir valley for sustainable tourism. Gulmarg is without street lights, roads are shabby.  Government should focus on these things for the betterment of tourism sector,” Shah said.
 Joint Secretary, JK Hoteliers Club, Tariq Rashid Ghani said that there should be no entry tax on items which hoteliers purchase for hotels.
 “Although there is government order that clear mentions no entry tax will be levied on hoteliers on items they purchase from outside but unfortunately we are being made to pay entry tax,” Ghani said.
 President, JK Hoteliers Club Pahalgam Chapter, Asif Burza also spoke on different aspects of tourism sector and plead his support towards the club for solving the problems of hoteliers.
 The meeting was attended by the all Executive members of the club who unanimously appreciated the Khyber group for constructing one of the best resorts in the country.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST