Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK) is the oldest travel trade body which has been at the forefront of promoting Kashmir for tourism. Initially there were only nine members when its foundation was laid in 1968. Since then, TASK has promoted Kashmir and many of its members emerged as the leading travel agents in the State. Currently, TASK has 107 members. Recently one of its member Center Point Tours and Travels received national award.In its recent elections, TASK elected noted travel agent Mohamamd Ibrahim Siah as its new President. Siah also served TASK as president during 2012-13.
In an interview with us, Siah divulges its plans to organize road shows in many cities in India besides offering suggestions how to bring about transformation in the Valley’s tourism sector. He also demanded incentives for the travel agents who, despite all odds during past many years, have kept tourism industry alive.
Programs
TASK is the oldest organization and it has taken many initiatives to promote Kashmir. I feel proud to be heading an organization which has big names as its members. To give fillip to tourism sector, TASK will organize road shows in major cities in India. Besides our members, we will take on board hoteliers and houseboat associations who can collaborate with us in this initiative. We want tourists to give first priority to Kashmir for their holidays. We will ensure that our road shows are successful and help us attract good number of visitors.
Registering travel agencies
Tourism department is registering such travel agencies having their names similar to the already registered travel companies. The department should not entertain such names in any of the three regions of the State. It should keep a track record of the names and if one word resembles, the name should be rejected. It creates confusion among the travelers and travel companies.
Zero tolerance for cheating
Tourism department should also keep check on the service providers be it travel agent, hotelier or transporter. Those who provide best services should be appreciated and awarded while as those who have bad record should be punished. There has to be zero tolerance against those who cheat.
Fixing rates for taxis at tourist spots
The taxi services in Sonamarg should also be regulated with fixed fares. The taxi drivers at Pahalgam have fixed rates while as in Sonamarg the drivers charge arbitrarily.
Regulating ponywallas
We are also facing problems at Gulmarg where services of Ponywallas need to be regulated. Government demarcated separate track for ponies which is a good initiative. The path to Gondola and the main bowl should be avoided by ponywallas. During summers, the dung of ponies at major tourist attractions including Pahalgam and Sonamarg stinks which repels tourists. It has to be looked into.
Announce tourism policy
Government should also make clear tourism policy which will help regulate tourism sector. Stakeholders including hoteliers and travel agents should be taken on board while finalizing tourism policy.
Incentives for travel companies
Travel agents suffered huge losses in the last September floods. Besides, travel companies were never compensated for the losses they suffered during turmoil. We invested heavily and brought a tourist here which is why tourism has survived till date. Now, government should compensate against losses by providing incentives in any form to tour operators. If travel and tour operators are encouraged with incentives, they will attract more tourists which will improve overall economic health of the state.
Calendar of activities
Secretary Tourism Farooq Shah has taken many initiatives which we appreciate. He should also announce calendar of activities including its participation in the travel marts well in advance. It would give ample time to the travel agents to prepare for the events and also introduce such events in our itineraries.
Improve basic infrastructure
As chief minister is very keen to promote tourism in the state, it should lay emphasis on basic infrastructure. We should have wayside amenities for tourists. We don’t have proper and well maintained loo points in city and other tourists destinations. After every 20 kilometers, there has to be such facility besides at tourists’ destinations.
Maintain and beautify airport
We fail to understand why our airport is not well maintained. It has to have all the facilities. It is the first impression of our State when tourists land here. Government should showcase all the products of art, craft, and culture at airport. Tourists should also feel more than comfortable during their arrivals and departures. Kashmir is purely a tourist destinations and our airport should be developed and re-designed for tourist comforts.
Distribute publicity material
Tourists should be given free maps and other publicity material at airport so that tourist receive all the information about tourist resorts before starting their journey.
I appeal all the travel agents to send their representatives well-dressed to airport for pick up and departure.
Categorize houseboats, hotels
The department should also categorize houseboats and hotels according to their facilities. Rate list should not be publicized on boards on boulevard. Besides, the encroachments at boulevard should also be removed so that tourist can walk freely on pavements.
Beautify downtown
The department should also take beautification drive of major tourist attractions in the City including Char-Chinari, boulevard, Dal lake interiors, downtown interiors, Hari Parbat fort. It should also resume light and sound show at Shalimar.
Train local guides
Many foreign tourists are facing problems here while communicating with the local guides. The department in collaboration with university of Kashmir or Institute of Hotel Management should introduce courses for guides. They should be taught foreign languages besides given information about tourist places, heritage sites. We have severe shortage of professional guides.
Improve basic infrastructure at Development Authorities
Government had formed 24 development authorities many years ago but none of the new tourist places have proper infrastructure. We want to promote new destinations but lack of infrastructure and other facilities discourages us. Government should, on war footing basis, improve basic infrastructure at new destinations. However, while improving infrastructure, ecology should not be compromised with.
Allow only local taxis in Kashmir
It has been a long pending demand of the travel trade fraternity that tourist coaches coming from other state to Valley should be stopped at Pantha Chowk. The tourists should then board the local taxis. It will help locals earn livelihood and also ease traffic jams. These big coaches cause frequent traffic jams at tourist spots.
Appeal
I appeal my TASK members to remain united in this hour of crisis and not lose hope. We will work in unison and bring tourist volume back to Valley. I also appeal other travel fraternity to join hands with us in this mission. I would also like to congratulate Javid Burza for becoming President of Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners Federation. We are hopeful that hotelier under his leadership would support us in promoting tourism.
