Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is demonstrating resilience, with the government asserting that isolated complaints of tourist harassment and overcharging have not led to a significant decline in visitor numbers.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the administration is actively addressing such issues through established mechanisms, including grievance redressal systems and capacity-building programs for tourism stakeholders.
The government’s response, presented in the Assembly to a question by National Conference legislator Tanvir Sadiq, emphasized the critical role of visitor experience in sustaining a robust tourism economy. It acknowledged that unprofessional conduct, including overcharging, can negatively impact a destination’s image but maintained that incidents have not occurred on a scale sufficient to affect overall tourist inflow into the Union Territory.
While isolated complaints regarding service quality and pricing do surface periodically, they are managed in accordance with extant regulations. The government highlighted its ongoing commitment to enhancing service standards through regular training and capacity-building initiatives for those involved in the tourism industry. These programs encompass a wide array of areas, from hospitality and etiquette to specialized skills such as guiding, front office operations, and risk management.
However, the administration currently has no proposal under consideration for mandatory certification for all tourism stakeholders. Instead, efforts are focused on strengthening existing training, registration, and regulatory frameworks. Licensing and registration processes are already governed by relevant legislation, but a specific mandate for rating or certification of all participants in the sector is not presently being pursued.
To facilitate the reporting and resolution of grievances, a comprehensive system is operational. This includes Tourist Reception Centres, dedicated tourism helplines, online grievance portals, email services, and the Tourist Police. Complaints received through these channels are meticulously examined, and appropriate action is taken based on established rules. Since January 2025, the authorities have received 508 complaints, with 413 of these having been resolved.
These measures are being implemented as part of a broader administrative strategy to foster sustained growth in the tourism sector, which remains a vital contributor to livelihoods and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
