Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 27: World Tourism Day was celebrated across Jammu region with great enthusiasm.
In this connection, Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch in collaboration with School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu organized a seminar on “Jammu Tourism: Potential, Challenges & Way Forward”.
The seminar was attended by various stakeholders of the tourism industry, faculty members, research scholars, students of University and members of IIPA and civil society.
Parvez Dewan, former Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism, in his presentation gave insights about the rich tourism and cultural potential of all the districts of Jammu division. He emphasized that the development of destinations should be strategically planned so that the authenticity and sustainability of the place is maintained. He further stressed upon the need to promote “local tourism” wherein the people within the State explore and experience unseen places and urged upon the students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in this sector.
S M Sahni, convener, INTACH, in his detailed presentation, shared about the intangible and tangible cultural heritage of the region. He emphasized on the need for preservation and conservation of local art and craft. Dr C M Seth, Vice-Chairman, IIPA (J&K) in his presentation, talked about the rich natural diversity of the State and emphasized the need for eco-tourism policy in the State.
Prof Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director, SHTM in his address said that local community participation in the tourism development is essential to prevent economic leakage and that digitalization is the key to put Jammu tourism on a global map.
Vaibhav Sharma, Co-Founder, Travelers Dost & Himalayas 360, in his presentation said that private sector especially professionally qualified youth can play a vital role in promoting unexplored destinations of the Jammu division.
Dr Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA (J&K) conducted the proceedings of the function. The function was organized under the guidance of J B S Johar, Secretary, IIPA (J&K).
Meanwhile, to commemorate World Tourism Day, JKTDC organized a welcome event at Jammu Airport. The officials of JKTDC applied Tilak and garlanded the tourists arriving at Jammu Airport from different parts of the country.
The guests were offered complimentary Saffron Kehwa and were briefed about the properties of JKTDC across the State, besides facilities and packages available to suit pocket of every guest willing to avail accommodation of the Corporation.
Later on, JKTDC in collaboration with Jammu Municipal Corporation participated in “Swachhata Hi Sewa Abhiyan” at Raghunath Chowk in which Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Secretary JMC and General Manager JKTDC also participated.
To create awareness among the locals, Nukkad Nataks were also performed by NGO ‘Meri Pehchaan’ in Raghunath Bazar for which logistic support was provided by Raghunath Bazar Association.
In connection with World Tourism Day, various programmes were also organized in Patnitop Circuit.
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