The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Jammu & Kashmir Chapter held a press conference at Hotel Shahenshah Palace, Dalgate, highlighting critical issues affecting the region’s travel and tourism industry.
Khelo India Games 2025: Accommodation Challenges in Gulmarg
TAAI welcomed the upcoming Khelo India Games in Gulmarg, recognizing its potential to boost tourism in Jammu & Kashmir. However, concerns were raised about hotel accommodations, as authorities have requested hotels to release pre-booked reservations for event participants. This has caused difficulties for travelers and travel agents who had already secured bookings.
To ensure a smooth experience for both tourists and event participants, TAAI suggested alternative arrangements, such as utilizing accommodations in Tangmarg or Srinagar, preventing disruptions to the region’s tourism sector.
Gulmarg Gondola Ticketing: Local Travel Agents Face Losses
Another major concern discussed was the transition of Gulmarg Gondola Corporation’s ticketing system to a fully online platform, making bookings available on an all-India basis. This change has placed local travel agents at a disadvantage, as agents outside Jammu & Kashmir, with better access to digital booking systems, secure reservations faster—leading to financial losses for local businesses.
TAAI urged the government to allocate at least a 30% quota of gondola tickets exclusively for Jammu & Kashmir-based travel agents, ensuring fair access and sustainability of local businesses.
TAAI Calls for Balanced Tourism Policies The association remains optimistic that the government will address these concerns, promoting a balanced approach that supports both tourism growth and the local travel industry. TAAI reiterated its commitment to working with authorities to enhance Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector while ensuring that local stakeholders thrive in the evolving travel landscape.
