Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 13: Stressing upon the stakeholders associated with the tourism sector to work in unison to kick off a new campaign to tap the tourism potential of the state, Secretary Tourism Farooq Ahmed Shah said that tourism and hospitality industry is one of the key drivers of growth in the State which needs to be given impetus by collaborative efforts.
He was speaking at a meeting convened with the representatives of various Travel and Trade Associations from Jammu and Kashmir division to hold deliberations for providing inclusive and seamless touring experience to the tourists in the state.
Special Secretary Tourism, M. H. Mir, Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmed Shah, Director Tourism, Jammu R.K. Varma, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
Threadbare discussions were held on issues pertaining to tapping the tourism potential of all the areas and to chalk out effective marketing strategies to attract the pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine to other important tourist destinations in the State.
Farooq Shah stressed that those associated with the tourism industry should ensure that better facilities are provided to the tourists and attractive tour packages are offered which will showcase the unexplored destinations of both the regions .He said that attracting the pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine to other places will definitely give a fillip to the tourism sector and the economy of the State.
All the participants opined that it is important that a massive publicity campaign is launched across the country to tap the domestic tourists. They also stressed that tourism related information is provided at all the conspicuous places.
The Secretary also directed the officers to the Tourism Department to keep a proper check on the services provided to the tourists and ensure they are not overcharged or face inconvenience .He asked them to take strict action against those indulging in any such malpractices which cause harassment of tourist.
Later, the team also visited Katra and it was decided that a counter will be opened where the pilgrims can be provided information about various tourist destinations and packages are offered to various tourist destinations in the State. Farooq Shah stressed the need for better synergy between the local trade and tourist associations with their counterparts for giving impetus to the sector.
The prominent who attended the meeting include Kashmir Travel Trade associated headed by Chairman PILTOP, Nasir Shah, Chairman AKTO, Nazir Mir, Chairman, DTOAK, Haji Hamid Wangnoo, Senior Vice Chairman, KHARA, Dr. Majid, Publicity Secretary HBOA, Manzoor Ahmed Kaloo, Secretary JKTA, Ashok Koul, representative of TAAT, S. Inderpal Singh, and representative ADTOI, Sheikh Hussain. The Jammu Travel Trade delegation was led by Kuldeep Wahi, Kushal Magotra, Abdhay Bakaya from Tourism Federation Jammu, B B Kotwal from Bhaderwah Travel Agents Association.
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