SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department Wednesday ruled out any decline in tourist inflow due to harassment or overcharging by service providers, even as it acknowledged that such practices can adversely affect a destination’s image.
In a written reply to National Conference legislator Tanvir Sadiq, the department said that while visitor experience and hospitality standards form the backbone of a successful tourism economy, no incident has been reported where tourist footfall suffered on account of unprofessional conduct by stakeholders.
“Isolated complaints have been reported and are addressed as per rules,” the government said, adding that a grievance redressal mechanism is in place through Tourist Reception Centres, helplines, online portals and the Tourist Police.
As many as 508 complaints were received between January 2025 and March 31, of which 413 have been disposed of, it informed the House.
The department said training and capacity-building programmes covering hospitality, etiquette, safety and responsible tourism are conducted for hotel staff, guides, shikara operators and taxi drivers.
However, it clarified that no separate proposal for mandatory certification or rating of all stakeholders is presently under consideration, even as steps are being taken to strengthen regulatory mechanisms.
Licensing and registration, it added, are already regulated under relevant laws. (KNS)
