In a major setback for Kashmir’s tourism sector, the Department of Tourism’s unexpected withdrawal from the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai has sparked widespread outrage among industry stakeholders. The sudden decision, made without prior notice, has left several travel operators stranded in Mumbai after they had already committed significant resources to travel arrangements and promotional materials.
In response, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) urgently gathered representatives from 20 leading hotels, houseboat operators, and tour organizations to discuss the repercussions of the move. Tensions ran high as participants voiced frustration over the department’s mishandling of the high-profile event, which is set to run from January 30 to February 1.
Unanimously, leaders from the travel and tour sectors indicated their intention to reconsider future participation in events organized by the Tourism Department. This decision reflects growing dissatisfaction with the department’s inability to effectively manage promotional initiatives.
During the KCCI meeting, industry representatives expressed concerns that the department’s absence at one of India’s top tourism fairs sends a damaging message about the state of Kashmir’s tourism industry. They warned that such mismanagement jeopardizes local businesses and risks tarnishing Kashmir’s reputation as a leading tourist destination.
