Hotel Talk

J&K offers initiatives to boost investments in hospitality

Reema Sisodia - Mumbai

Achieving a promising growth rate in tourism inflow especially since the last two years, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) tourism is riding high on the hospitality and tourism front. The state government has expressed interest to boost the hospitality sector in the region through investments to further augment tourism.

In an exclusive with Express TravelWorld Muzzaffar Hussein Beig, deputy chief minister and tourism minister J&K, declared that the state is ready to provide land at reasonable rates to develop new tourism blocks in the state. "Infrastructure development is of paramount importance to us. Our aim is look beyond the regular well-known areas and offer new features and destinations that are also unique in their appeal. From our end, we are ready to provide total support to anyone interested in investing in the region," emphasised Beig.

When asked about the investment rules and legalities involved with investing in the region, Beig clarified by saying, "There are a lot of misconceptions regarding investing in the region. But apart from the clause of having a local partner for investment, there are no other bottlenecks." The land for investment would also be given on a 99 per cent lease with third party transfer applicable.

The state tourism department is hopeful about the future; the boost in airline connectivity from the national capital and introduction of a direct flight from Mumbai to Srinagar would only mean more tourists coming to J&K. The state is also aiming at boosting its activities and improving its visibility in other states. Aziz Wani, managing director of J&K Tourism Development Corporation said, "We are doing our best by making our presence felt in tourism related events and conventions, and promoting the region through food festivals and other cultural activities."