The Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex industry body representing the Indian hospitality sector, has pledged its full support to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir in its ambitious effort to reposition the region as a premier, year-round global tourism destination. The reaffirmation came during a high-level meeting recently convened by the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Northern Regional Committee on Tourism and Hospitality in Srinagar.
The strategic gathering brought together key government and private sector stakeholders, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, to chart a forward-looking roadmap for the revival and sustainable development of tourism in the region. The deliberations focused on strategic policy interventions, tourism infrastructure upgrades, skill development frameworks, capacity building, and the implementation of government flagship schemes that support the hospitality ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Mr. K.B. Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, lauded CII’s leadership in fostering collaboration across sectors. “CII’s effort in uniting stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society is a vital step toward establishing Jammu & Kashmir as a globally competitive tourism destination,” Mr. Kachru said. “The Hotel Association of India is fully committed to working in partnership with the government and other stakeholders to ensure long-term, inclusive, and sustainable growth.”
In a separate meeting with HAI leadership, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah outlined the government’s strategic vision to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a year-round destination that offers diverse, immersive travel experiences across all seasons. He emphasised the role of tourism in driving economic resilience, cultural preservation, and employment generation, particularly through promotion of the region’s traditional handlooms, handicrafts, and heritage.
HAI expressed its strong endorsement of this integrated approach. “We stand ready to align our member hotels and resources with the government’s tourism agenda, including initiatives to showcase the region’s artisanal heritage and support local livelihoods,” said Mr. Kachru. “We are particularly keen to contribute to skill development and workforce readiness programs, which are critical to elevating service standards and ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline for the region.”
As part of its broader engagement, HAI is also actively participating in policy consultations aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the hospitality sector, improving operational efficiency, and catalysing investments in infrastructure and service quality. The Association’s members are expected to play a significant role in the implementation of government-led tourism schemes that focus on quality, sustainability, and regional integration.
With coordinated follow-up actions already underway, the Hotel Association of India and its members are poised to be key enablers in Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism resurgence. The unified approach reflects a shared commitment to building a globally appealing, locally enriching, and environmentally responsible tourism ecosystem — one that not only attracts international visitors but also uplifts local communities and reinforces India’s position on the global travel map.
