Pahalgam: Jammu and Kashmir BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul on Thursday held a meeting with hoteliers and local stakeholders in Pahalgam, where he listened to their concerns and assured them of timely intervention and resolution through appropriate government and party channels.
The interaction aimed to strengthen coordination between the tourism industry and policymakers, ensuring that the region’s growing hospitality sector continues to flourish.
During the meeting, hoteliers apprised Ashok Koul of several operational challenges they face, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory issues, and the need for improved tourist facilities. Giving a patient hearing to their grievances, he reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to supporting the tourism sector, which he termed a vital pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economic development.
Ashok Koul highlighted that the people-oriented and welfare-driven governance model of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly benefited Jammu and Kashmir over the last 11 years, particularly after August 5, 2019. He said the region has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic development, with major reforms bringing transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth.
Koul stressed that, despite the hard-hitting terrorist attack that struck Pahalgam, the popular tourist destination, along with other destinations in the Valley, has seen remarkable growth in tourist inflow. He added that the increasing interest of the Indian and international film industry in Kashmir is a testament to the improved security environment and enhanced infrastructure created under the Modi government. This renewed cinematic attention, he said, will further boost employment and business opportunities for local youth.
Koul emphasized that the BJP, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, firmly believes in holistic development and in securing a brighter future for the young generation of Jammu and Kashmir. He assured the hoteliers that their demands would be taken up on a priority basis and that the government remains committed to creating a more conducive environment for tourism, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.
The meeting concluded with renewed optimism among the stakeholders, who appreciated the BJP leadership for directly engaging at the grassroots level and addressing key sectoral challenges with seriousness and commitment. The hoteliers also discussed post-massacre confidence-building measures to boost the tourism sector in the region.
