‘Airfares anti-tourism for J&K’
The stakeholders expect that once the Amarnath Yatra starts from June end, airfares will further sky rocket and touch unprecedented levels…
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Ahead of the start of Amarnath Yatra, Khaliq Wangnoo, Chairman, IATOJammu & Kashmir Chapter, is concerned about the airfares to Srinagar which may become very high this season. According to him, such high fares are counterproductive for promoting tourism.
“There are two major roadblocks that impede growth of tourism in J&K. The exorbitant airfares are one such factor. At present, it costs around ` 12,000
` 15,000 to travel one way. Going forward, once the Amarnath Yatra starts from June end, we expect them to further sky rocket and touch unprecedented levels. The Government must do something to ensure that the airfares are kept at reasonable levels,” said Wangnoo. “The second major challenge is electronic media that goes overboard publicising the negative events. In most cases, the tourist attractions miles away from the actual sight of the disruption. The media also needs to exercise caution and be more objective,” he added.
Wangnoo is also working at conducting a day- long seminar at Srinagar, where along with the IATO office- bearers, other travel and hospitality association heads will also participate. He also emphasises that the tourism ministry of J&K should prepare the event calendar at least a year in advance.
“The recently held Kashmir festival from May 13-29 was a great success. But most of our members could not inform their principals well in advance because it was planned at a very short notice. Events like this, if communicated well in advance, will create at least three- fold results,” said Wangnoo.