Deptt. appeals tourists, service users not to pay more than fixed rates, complain in case of overcharging
SNS KASHMIR
Srinagar, December 16:
The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir has notified rates for various services being provided by registered Tourist traders to tourists and activities conducted at various tourist destinations across Kashmir Valley.
A notification to this effect under The J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act 1978/82/2011 read with SRO 198 dated 08.06.2012 was issued by Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo here.
The rates have been notified for the year 2021-22 and 2022-2023, says the notification which has been issued in pursuance to the approval conveyed by the Government vide endorsement No. TSM/Estt-117/2021 dated 09.12.2021.
The tourism services the rates of which have been fixed/revised include Tourist Guides, Ski Guides, Mountain/Trekking Guides, Sledges, Ski equipment, Ice Skating, Ice Skating equipment, rafting, cycling, Zorbing, Hydro Zorbing, Snow Mobile, ATV, Motorbiking, Paragliding, Motor Boats, Bathing Boats, Labour/Helper/Mazdoor/Porter for trekking at high altitude, Flat water rafting boating, Paddle Boat Riding, Bungee Trampoline, Mechanical Mad-bull, Golf Cart ride, Zip Line, Hot Air Balloon, Battery Operated Vehicles at Sonmarg, Shikara rides at Dal, Nigeen and Manasbal lakes for various durations, pony rides for various durations and various tracks including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Yousmarg, Doodpathri and Ahrabal, photography of various kinds and other related services.
As per the notification, the rates of these services as are existent at present shall remain unchanged till March 31, 2022 and from April 01, 2022 to March 31, 2023 shall be hiked by 10%.
The Department has appealed to tourists and those visitors availing these services not to pay more than the notified rates and in case the rates are overcharged the same shall be reported to the Department for regulation.