Srinagar, Oct 14 (KNO): In a landmark development, Jammu and Kashmir’s travel, tourism, hospitality and allied sectors have formally come together under a single platform –the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and Allied Business Forum.
This initiative marks a new era of collaboration among leading associations, industry stakeholders, and seasoned professionals to collectively strengthen and promote tourism across the region, a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.
The forum announced its office bearers, managing committee members, and sub-committees. Mushtaq Chaya has been appointed as Chairman, supported by Mushtaq Burza as Vice chairman I and Gouhar Maqbool as Vice Chairman II. Wahid Malik will serve as Secretary General, with Manzoor Pakthoon as Joint Secretary.
The position of Treasurer has been assigned to Aqib Chaya, with Murad Kapra as Joint Treasurer. Publicity and media responsibilities will be handled by Javid Burza and Nasir Shah.
A notable feature of the forum’s formation is the leadership of Tariq Gani, who has been appointed Convenor, and Sameer Baktoo, appointed as Co-Convenor. They will play a central role in coordinating the forum’s activities, facilitating communication among member associations, and ensuring the smooth execution of strategic initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and allied sectors across Jammu and Kashmir.
Advisors to the Committee: Following the Chairman, Jyotsna Suri (FICCI) and Omar Tramboo (Khyber Hotels) will serve as key advisors, bringing their extensive expertise and insights from the national and regional tourism and hospitality industry to guide the forum’s initiatives.
Other advisors to the Chairman include Farooq Hafiz, supported by Co-Advisors Rouf Tramboo IT and Digital Media will be overseen by Hussain Khan and Tanvir Shah.
The Special Executive Committee comprises distinguished members, including Jyotsna Suri (FICCI), Omar Tramboo (Khyber Hotel), Altaf Gunna (Taj Hotel Srinagar), Dr. Imran (CCIK), Ibrahim Siah (TASK), Mr. Farooq Kuthoo (TAAK), representatives from KHBOA, Shafi Wangnoo (Ecotourism Society), Showkat Pakthoon (PLTOF), Nissar Mir (AKTO), Zahoor Karnai (TTIG), Manzoor Wangnoo (NTTA), Rouf Tramboo (ATOK), Jaan Mohammad (UTTA), Shahid Bazaaz (TAFOK), Abdul Majeed (Hoteliers Club – Sonamarg Chapter), representatives from TAAI - JKC and IATO - JKC, Mir Anwar (ADTOI - JKC), Shamim Shah (TAFI - National MC), representatives from SKAL - JKC, Zahoor Tramboo, Riyaz Panjra (JKHC Srinagar), Riyaz Shaded (JKHC Srinagar), Sheikh Maroof (JKHC Pahalgam), Junaid Rafiqi (JKHC Restaurant), Mubi Shaw (PTA), Haji Abdul Rashid (Tourist Taxi Association), Wali Muhammad (Shikara Association), Farhaan Kitab (General Trade), Sardar Narinder Singh, Fahad Zaroo, Sajid Makai, Saddam Zaroo, Manzoor Burza, Shafi Tramboo, Musadiq Shah, representatives from JK Northern Travel Agents Association, Manzoor Shah, Akram Sia, Athar Yameen, Salman Bhat, Peer Imtiyaz, Zahoor Malik, Nayeem Nazeer, and representatives from Jammu, Katra, Patnitop, Drass, Kargil, and Leh.
To ensure structured operations, the forum has formed several sub-committees, including the Travel and Tourism Subcommittee, Hospitality Subcommittee, Event Management Subcommittee,
Roadshows and Marketing Subcommittee, General Trade Subcommittee, and Environment Subcommittee. The formation of the forum reflects a unified vision to bring together the entire tourism and allied business ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir under one platform.
Members emphasized collaboration, professionalism, and sustainable growth as guiding principles. Key focus areas include extending subsidies and incentives for film tourism, promoting sports and adventure tourism, renewing lease lands for hospitality projects, enhancing digital marketing initiatives, and encouraging eco-friendly and responsible tourism practices.
The launch of this historic forum marks a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir tourism industry, demonstrating the unity and shared commitment of stakeholders to build a stronger, more vibrant sector capable of driving economic growth and creating new opportunities across the region—(KNO)