The Hotel Association of India (HAI), the leading organization in India’s hospitality industry, has been collaborating with the government on sectoral policy matters for nearly three decades. In its latest report, Vision 2047 Indian Hotel Industry – Challenges and The Road Ahead, HAI outlines the roadmap for the future of the industry over the next 25 years. Among the key takeaways from the report is the rising popularity of Kashmir as a travel destination, particularly in the realm of adventure tourism, in the post-pandemic era.
The increasing tourist footfall in the Union Territory (UT) has been largely driven by the efforts of the Central Government and the UT Administration. The G20 meeting held in Srinagar provided a significant boost to tourism, positioning Kashmir as a promising destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding tourism. Furthermore, the government has been actively investing in infrastructure development in the valley, particularly in highway and tunnel projects, to improve connectivity and accessibility. J&K’s Tourism Mission aims to establish additional destinations, and the Central Government has allocated enhanced budgets to bolster the region’s overall tourism development.
HAI Member hotels have played a pivotal role in the state’s tourism journey, marking an early presence in key locations and continuously expanding their footprints in the region. Major hospitality brands, including The Lalit Group, Radisson Group, IHCL, ITC, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Khyber, are all actively represented in Kashmir, contributing to the region’s economic and tourism growth.
A core advocacy of HAI has been the establishment of strong public-private partnerships and regular, systematic interactions between the government and the industry. These collaborations are essential to unlocking the full potential of tourism, particularly in job creation, driving inclusive growth, and fostering regional development. HAI members actively engage with local communities and are committed to sustainable growth, ensuring that the hospitality sector benefits both tourists and residents alike.
To enable the hotel sector to flourish and maximize its multiplier effect on the regional economy, HAI has consistently pushed for policy support at the state level. This includes granting hotels industry benefits such as lower utility tariffs, reduced property taxes, access to softer and more accessible financing, and overall ease of doing business. With improved connectivity, including the upcoming launch of a direct train from the national capital to Srinagar, tourist footfall is expected to rise significantly. Consequently, the demand for hotel accommodation will also grow, necessitating further expansion in hospitality infrastructure.
With the government’s heightened focus on tourism, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about continued policy support. The hospitality sector is committed to strengthening tourism in both established and emerging destinations in Kashmir. During the recent discussions, the industry proposed that a comprehensive marketing plan be devised by the government in consultation with industry leaders before the launch of the direct train to Srinagar. This would ensure that tourism growth remains sustainable and continues to contribute positively to the region’s economic and social landscape.
