Suhail Rather
Bandipora, July 02: With Gurez valley witnessing a bumper tourist season this years, the menace of fleecing the visitors is also rising with tourists complaining that they are being over charged for everything including boarding , lodging and food.
Tourists including local visitors are up in arms against hoteliers, restaurants, and camping agencies that have been shamelessly overcharging visitors, tarnishing the region's reputation. “As the number of tourists increases, so does the audacity of these businesses, leaving a bitter taste for travelers exploring the area,” tourists told Kashmir Convener.
They said the hoteliers are taking advantage of tourists' unfamiliarity with the region, imposing exorbitant rates without any regard for fair pricing. “For a simple plate of rice and Dal, a hotel charged Rs 350 which is not even a rate in five star hotels in Srinagar.” He added
“Both local and non-local tourists, especially those who arrived during Eid holidays, are falling victim to this exploitative practice by various hoteliers and dhabas,” they said.
Visitors appealed the District Administration Bandipora and Secretary of Tourism & Culture to intervene and address this rampant overcharging issue.
Despite the commendable efforts made by the District Administration Bandipora to attract tourists to Gurez Valley, the disappointing reality of overcharging threatens to overshadow their achievements.
Numerous complaints have been filed by tourists who have returned from Gurez, recounting their dismay at the exorbitant rates imposed on them.
One visitor, wishing to remain anonymous, revealed that the restaurant he and his friends patronized charged them significantly higher prices than reasonable.
He also highlighted that camping agencies lacked proper rate schedules, allowing them to charge visitors as they pleased. The concerned visitor urged the administration to take immediate action, preventing these unscrupulous individuals from further damaging the reputation of this thriving industry.
As Gurez Valley remains a popular destination for travelers, it is crucial for the authorities to step in swiftly and put an end to this exploitative behavior, tourists said.
Meanwhile SDM Gurez Dr Mudasir said he has noted the issue and assured action against fleecing the tourists. He said he will also discuss the issue with tourism department.
