Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 19: Secretary Tourism, Farooq Ahmed Shah today reviewed functioning of Tourism Department in Jammu division at a meeting here.
Director Tourism R. K. Varma, Chief Executive Officers (CEO)s of various Tourism Development Authorities, FA & CAO Tourism, General Manager, JKTDC, and Principal Food & Craft Institute (FIC) besides other senior officers were present in the meeting.
Secretary Tourism discussed various major objectives of the department with officers and impressed upon all CEOs to redouble their efforts to achieve the targets.
He stressed the need to explore tourism potential in the region to the fullest and to meet commitment made by the Chief Minister to develop Jammu as an independent tourist destination. He assured officers full financial support of the administrative department in execution of all projects in hand. He asked the concerned to prepare DPRs for the proposed projects in their respective areas.
Earlier, Director Tourism appraised the Secretary about various developmental works being undertaken by the Tourism Department in Jammu province.
The Secretary also had an interactive session with representatives of Tour Travel and Trade Association. He highlighted the role of all stakeholders associated with tourism sector in developing Jammu as an independent tourist destination.
Meanwhile, association representatives raised various issues including development of artificial lake, completion of Gondola Project, development of Wild Life Sanctuary, beautification of Tawi river banks, development of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, organization of light & sound shows at the tourist destinations, development of amusement parks, club facility, development of border tourism at Suchetgarh and skill development. They also asked for attention to infrastructural problems at various tourist destinations
The association members also put forth various other demands before the Secretary, who assured them that all genuine issues shall be addressed on priority.
The Secretary informed that many projects are in pipeline and will be implemented soon for development of dependable infrastructure to support tourism and increase footfall of tourists in Jammu province. He directed FCI to impart skill development training to people associated with tourism industry.
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