Srinagar, 23 July (KDC): A group of tourists from Delhi have alleged that they were misled and converted into a private hotel despite the availability of housing at the Tourist Reception Center (TRC) in Gurez, Bandipora district of North Kashmir.
TRC Gurez, a guest house managed by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, consists of five rooms and two dormitory. However, tourists claimed that they were adjusted to the ‘Kaka Palace’ ie a private establishment despite the space available in the government -run facility.
According to one of the tourists, “TRC had empty rooms, but we were taken to a private hotel. Even the food is being sour from there instead of the Gowant Run Guest House.” Kashmir.com,
The allegation has also been revealed that TRC Gurez is being managed by a private person instead of an official representative of the tourism department. The designated caretaker is reportedly “never available”, often left unpublished with the complex.
Visitors said, “Tourists are being deliberately diverted to private housing for personal gain. Such mismanagement is unacceptable and needs immediate attention,” the visitors said.
Local people have also expressed concern, warning that misuse of official guest facilities can tarnish the increasing reputation of Gurez as a major tourist destination.
Tourists have appealed to the tourism department to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of government properties.
Efforts to contact the officials of the tourism department for their version failed. (KDC)