This prestigious honour reflects Dr. Chaya's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the region’s development
Introduction
Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya is a distinguished Kashmiri entrepreneur and hospitality pioneer, best known as the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of the Grand Mumtaz Group of Hotels & Resorts, with premier properties across the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Delhi.
Over the decades, he transformed a single hotel launched in 1984 into a respected hospitality brand in a region challenged by instability, earning him the title of “Kashmir’s Ambani” for his indomitable spirit and business acumen. Under his leadership, the group has not only elevated service standards but also significantly boosted tourism and local employment.
Chaya plays a prominent role in the business community. He has been re-elected multiple times as Chairman of the Kashmir chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), and served on its Managing Committee in New Delhi, influencing economic policy and industry development across the region. He has also served as a mentor for the PHDCCI Kashmir chapter, lending his experience and guidance to emerging entrepreneurs.
In recognition of his professional influence, Chaya received numerous accolades including the Hospitality Excellence Award by the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India, and the Business Leadership Award for Jammu & Kashmir at the Kashmir–Kanyakumari Foundation Summit in Mumbai.
Beyond business, he has been a proactive civic leader—expressing solidarity during crises, voicing concern over tragic incidents affecting local communities, and endorsing safety and unity in Kashmir’s tourism landscape.
From Humble Beginnings to Hospitality Icon: The Journey of Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya
Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya’s journey began with a simple yet ambitious vision in the early 1980s — to redefine hospitality in the Kashmir Valley. Starting from modest roots, he opened his first hotel in 1984, in an era when the region was fraught with challenges and limited infrastructure. Despite the socio-political unrest and uncertainty that gripped Jammu & Kashmir, Chaya remained undeterred, driven by a deep commitment to service, quality, and local development.
What began as a single property has now grown into the Grand Mumtaz Group of Hotels & Resorts, a premier hospitality brand known for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional service standards across Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Jammu, Sonmarg, and even Delhi. Through decades of hard work, he not only carved a niche in the hospitality sector but also helped uplift the local economy by creating employment opportunities and promoting tourism in the valley.
Today, Mushtaq Chaya is a respected business magnate, Chairman of the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Kashmir Chapter), and an influential voice in policy and entrepreneurship. His leadership is admired not only for his business achievements but also for his continued efforts to inspire economic growth, stability, and peace in the region.
From a visionary hotelier to a regional icon, Mushtaq Chaya’s story is one of resilience, foresight, and unwavering dedication — a true example of how dreams rooted in service can create a legacy that transforms industries and communities.
Honorary Doctorate Bestowed Upon Mushtaq Chaya by Burlington University, USA
Mr. Mushtaq Chaya, a distinguished entrepreneur and prominent hotelier from Jammu and Kashmir, has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate by Burlington University, USA. This esteemed recognition celebrates his unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the tourism economy of the region. Over the decades, Mr. Chaya has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the hospitality industry in the valley, promoting it as a premier destination on both national and international platforms.
Having laid the foundation of the renowned Grand Mumtaz Group of Hotels, Mr. Chaya’s vision and leadership have not only enhanced the tourism infrastructure in J&K but have also generated widespread employment and economic opportunities in the state. His efforts have been instrumental in drawing attention to Kashmir’s vast potential, even in the face of regional instability and logistical challenges.
The Honorary Doctorate by Burlington University is a testament to Mr. Chaya’s legacy as a changemaker and industry leader. It acknowledges his enduring contribution to the revival and growth of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. His recognition also serves as an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs across India, demonstrating how purpose-driven leadership can transform industries and impact lives.