Mushtaq Chaya conferred Honorary Doctorate by Burlington University for transformative role in Kashmir’s tourism sector

Srinagar, July 27: Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya, Chairman of the Mushtaq Group of Hotels and one of the most prominent figures in Jammu and Kashmir’s hospitality sector, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by Burlington University (USA).

The recognition, awarded at a ceremony in New Delhi, honours Chaya’s decades-long contribution to the growth and resilience of the tourism economy in the region.

A respected voice in Kashmir’s business landscape, Chaya’s journey in the hospitality sector began in the early 1980s. What started as a single hotel venture has grown over the decades into a thriving enterprise. His Mushtaq Group now operates a chain of hotels under the Grand Mumtaz brand across Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Jammu, and Delhi. The group is widely credited with introducing a professional and customer-oriented approach to hospitality in the Valley.

Over the years, Chaya has emerged not just as a successful entrepreneur but also as a tireless advocate for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. His leadership has been particularly crucial during challenging times, when the sector faced disruptions due to political unrest, natural calamities, or the COVID-19 pandemic. He has consistently spoken out on behalf of hoteliers, tour operators, and local stakeholders, urging government support and reforms to ease the operational and financial burden on tourism-dependent businesses.

Reacting to the honour, Chaya said the recognition was not just personal, but one that belonged to the entire hospitality fraternity of the region.

“This honour is for every hotelier, every worker, every stakeholder who has stood firm during the most difficult times,”*Chaya said. “Kashmir’s tourism industry is not just about business—it is about the people, culture, and our collective identity. I dedicate this recognition to the resilience and spirit of our people.”

The Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC), which Chaya chairs, issued a statement congratulating him on the prestigious honour. Members and office bearers from different chapters including Srinagar, Jammu, Ladakh, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam expressed pride and joy over the award, calling it a reflection of his lifelong commitment to the hospitality sector.

JKHC Secretary General Tariq Ghani described Chaya as the “brand ambassador of Kashmir tourism,” and said his influence extended far beyond business. “In times of uncertainty and challenge, his leadership has been a guiding light—resolute, visionary, and deeply rooted in the love for Kashmir,” Ghani said.

Chaya has played a key role in representing the concerns of the tourism industry at policy forums and government meetings. Whether pushing for lease extensions for hotel properties, better infrastructure, or marketing campaigns to promote Kashmir globally, he has remained a consistent and credible advocate. “Whether advocating for policy reforms, encouraging investment, or uplifting local stakeholders, Chaya Sahab has fought tirelessly for every concern faced by the tourism sector,” Ghani added. “His dedication is not just professional—it’s personal, born from decades of service and a dream to see Kashmir reclaim its place as a premier global destination.”

He has also been instrumental in attracting national and international hotel brands to invest in Kashmir. Under his stewardship, the Mushtaq Group has recently opened India’s first Radisson Collection hotel in Srinagar, a significant step in putting the Valley on the luxury tourism map.

Colleagues and associates describe Chaya as a visionary who has remained deeply connected to the ground realities of Kashmir. Despite numerous awards and recognitions over the years—including the Domestic Tourism Impetus to National Growth Award and the FHRAI’s Hospitality Excellence Award—Chaya continues to work closely with grassroots stakeholders, encouraging innovation, training, and quality in the hospitality sector.

For many in the Valley, the honour bestowed by Burlington University is more than an individual achievement—it is a recognition of the entire tourism industry’s resilience and promise. “It is a proud moment not only for the tourism industry but for the entire business fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir,” Ghani said.

Mushtaq Chaya, often referred to as the ‘face of Kashmir tourism’, said he remains committed to working for the sector’s betterment.

“Our mission is far from over,” he said.

“We must keep striving for excellence, supporting our young entrepreneurs, and projecting Kashmir as a world-class destination. The best way to honour this recognition is to redouble our efforts for the industry and the people it supports.”