Srinagar, Oct 16: The Ecotourism Association of Kashmir (ETAK) has initiated the formulation of a comprehensive ecotourism policy for Jammu and Kashmir, with plans to submit a white paper containing policy recommendations to the government for consideration.
The association convened the first meeting of its Eco Tourism Special Board of Advisors at Hotel Palm Springs, Wazir Bagh, Srinagar, to discuss a framework for promoting sustainable tourism while safeguarding the region’s fragile ecosystems and natural heritage.
The meeting was chaired by Mushtaq Chaya, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club and an honorary member of ETAK. It was convened by Sameer Baktoo, President of the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir, and brought together representatives from the tourism and hospitality sectors, environmentalists, legal experts and academia.
Those present included Vinit Chabbra, General Manager of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg; Akib Chaya, Chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg Chapter; Rouf Tramboo, President of the Adventure Tour Operators Association; Nasir Shah, Chairman of the IATO J&K Chapter; Advocate Nadeem Qadri, Legal Advisor to ETAK; environmentalist Dr Tausif Bhat; and Prof. Riyaz Ahmad of the Department of Tourism Studies, University of Kashmir.
The discussions focused on the need for a structured, practical and inclusive policy that balances tourism growth with environmental conservation and the protection of local livelihoods.
Participants highlighted the importance of safeguarding Kashmir’s natural landscapes, biodiversity, water bodies and fragile mountain ecosystems, which underpin the region’s tourism appeal. They also stressed the need for stronger coordination among tourism associations, hoteliers, adventure tourism operators, environmental experts, academic institutions and other stakeholders to develop actionable policy recommendations.
Speaking at the meeting, Baktoo said ecotourism and responsible tourism would be central to the future of Kashmir’s tourism industry. He stressed that tourism development must go hand in hand with environmental protection to create economic opportunities without compromising the region’s ecological integrity.
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