Homestay bookings see surge in Kupwara

Srinagar, May 05: Amidst the ceasefire agreement in the border areas of Kupwara district, a unique opportunity has arisen for the locals to showcase their hospitality and promote border tourism in the district.
The home stays initiative, launched by the Tourism Department, has been highly successful and has provided economic benefits to the people living in these border areas.
Local residents have come forward to set up homestays and provide warm hospitality to tourists.
They expressed their gratitude to the tourism department for initiating this project and opening up an opportunity for them to earn their livelihood.
As a result of this initiative, local businesses in border areas like Tangdar, Nowgam, Machil, Keran, and Tweetwal are thriving, and people are earning money by providing accommodation to tourists.
Deputy Director of Tourism, Ahsanul Haq Chasti, stated to Rising Kashmir that this initiative is receiving an overwhelming response in all border areas, and it also provides an opportunity for people living in border areas to generate their livelihoods.
The officer mentioned that previously there was additional documentation required for registration, but the department has now eased the documentation process, resulting in an increase in home stay registrations.
Shamim Ahmad, a local resident of Tweetwal in Kupwara, told Rising Kashmir that the homestay initiative has proven fruitful for his family, as his house remains abuzz with tourists in this border district.
According to Ahmad, the area lacks hotels and other accommodations, which has discouraged people from visiting. However, the recent tourism initiative by the local department has raised hopes among the community. Since its implementation, the area has seen an increase in local tourism, and even some non-local tourists have started to flock here.
However, locals have reported that the online permission process is taking a long time, which is hindering national tourism. They have urged the administration to streamline the online permission process so that the area can continue to thrive with tourists.
The district is home to many historical locations, exotic wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage, which attract a lot of tourists. The Home Stays initiative has provided a much-needed boost to the struggling tourism industry in the district.