In response to the recent tragic events that have deeply affected Kashmir’s tourism sector, the Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) convened the special meeting today at Nishat.
The meeting witnessed a strong turnout from across the tourism landscape — with participation from heads travel trade bodies, hoteliers, travel agents, houseboat owners, university scholars, and concerned citizens. The gathering began with a unanimous condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, with participants standing in solemn solidarity with the victims and their families.
Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo opened the session, thanking attendees for their proactive engagement during a time when the tourism industry is grappling with uncertainty. He appreciated the swift action and supportive stance of the administration, and Hon’ble Chief Minister, noting that these efforts have already generated a wave of renewed interest and confidence.
The discussions centered on identifying practical strategies for relief, revival, and long-term resilience of the tourism sector. There was a unanimous call for:
• Loan rebates or waivers and rehabilitation support for affected stakeholders.
• Developing a comprehensive crisis communication plan.
• Promoting positive narratives through social media and credible influencers.
• Grassroots-level confidence building by encouraging real-time storytelling from local stakeholders.
• Micro-level support systems to assist employees and communities hit hardest by the slowdown.
• Diversification of livelihoods, especially for youth, to reduce over-dependence on tourism.
The participants agreed that despite the current setbacks, Kashmir’s tourism will revive — but it requires collective will, sustained efforts, and policy support.
In his concluding remarks, Chairman Wangnoo affirmed that NTTA will extend full support to the government in its revival efforts and announced that a delegation will soon meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Tourism Minister to present a revival and resilience roadmap. The plan, to be developed in collaboration with all segments of the industry, will focus on both short-term relief and long-term sustainability.
The meeting concluded with a strong message of unity, optimism, and action — underlining the collective commitment to steering Kashmir’s tourism sector towards a brighter and more resilient future.
Participants included: senior members of NTTA, representatives from travel trade associations, houseboat owners, tourism scholars from the University of Kashmir, and civil society members especially Dr Riyaz Qureshi Head of Department, Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure Studies School of Business Studies, University of Kashmir, Dr Shahnawaz Dar Faculty, Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure Studies School of Business Studies, University of Kashmir, Mr Rauf Trumboo, President TAAK, Farooq Kuthoo & Mohammad Lateef What EC Member KCC&I, Peerzada Faiyaz Convenor RTSOI, Zahoor Qari, Past President TAAI, Shameem Shah, Chairman TAFI, Dr Tauseef Kashmir Concern, members of NTTA especially Yaseen Tuman, Er Iajaz Naqhbandi, Rafiq Wangnoo, Rafiq Sheikh, M Amin, Abdul Rehman, Riyaz Wangnoo, Javaid Ahmad
