Under the direction of Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director of Tourism Kashmir, the Tourism Department carried out enforcement drives today in a number of tourist spots, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Doodhpathri, in order to compile a list of the services provided to visitors.

On the occasion, special focus was laid on curbing the menace of skyrocketing hotel accommodation charges, unilateral fixation of hotel and guest house rates, renewal and registration of hospitality facilities, safe sanitation parameters, parity of logistic charges vis-a-vis services rendered and a lot of other issues.

Various un-registered tourism service providers were also asked to register themselves with the tourism department.
Moreover, a fine to the tune of Rs 22500 was realized from different stakeholders for violation of various provisions of TT Act.

Further, they were instructed to provide services as per rates fixed by the department, and were warned that anybody found overcharging will be taken to task as per TT Act.

Meanwhile, Director Tourism Kashmir, who is also Managing Director J&K Cable Car Corporation has appealed tourists to book tickets for Gondola through online mode only as the Corporation has no means of selling tickets offline. He cautioned them that they should not get themselves fleeced by touts. (KNS)