Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 25: Governor Satya Pal Malik inaugurated a 3-day Kashmir Autumn FAM (Familiarisation) Tour-2018 at the SKICC here today. This familiarization tour programme has been organized by the Department of Tourism, Kashmir.
Nor’Azam Mohammad, Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia to India; Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Advisor to Governor; Rigzin Samphel Secretary Tourism; P.D. Tshering, Chief Post Master General, J&K; Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Tasaduq Jeelani Director Tourism, Aziz Hajini, Secretary JKAACL, Sulaiman Suip Director Tourism Malaysia, and distinguished guests from across the country were present on the occasion.
Welcoming the guests from the Tour and Travel Sector who have come from all over India to participate in this Familiarisation Tour programme, Governor observed that a tourist is as safe in J&K as in any other part of India. He exhorted the participants to encourage visitors to visit the State and experience its natural beauty and warm hospitality of the people.
Governor observed that the Central Government is making every possible effort for ushering Kashmir into an era of peace and rapid development and noted that Kashmir is witnessing a shift towards normalcy which is evident from the incident free and peaceful conduct of polling during the Urban Local Bodies elections in the State.
He stressed the need to change negative perception of Kashmir and urged every stakeholder to help create a conducive atmosphere for encouraging enhanced tourist arrivals in the State. Praising the State for having vast potential in tourism sector, Governor observed that each region of the State has a rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty which could charm the tourist. He pointed to the need for a multidisciplinary approach towards giving boost to tourism in the State.
Highlighting the Handicrafts Sector which is another major attraction for tourists, Governor observed that Pashmina shawls and other handicrafts here are examples of craftsmanship par excellence which have bestowed worldwide recognition for the State.
He appealed to the visitors to take care of sentiments of people from the State who go to other States for studying and doing jobs. Recalling the recent incident at Aligarh Muslim University, Governor observed that he has issued directions to appoint a Liaison Officer in every State wherever a substantial number of students from the State are studying.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor Ganai stressed improvement in infrastructure and need for bringing more potential spots on the tourism map of the State. He urged the visitors for promoting its destinations worldwide.
A Special Cover on this Familiarisation Tour by the India Post was released by Governor.
Santoor Vandan by Master Mohammad Abdullah Tibat Bakal, multilingual song performance by Rashid Jahangir, multi-lingual Folk Dances of the State performed by local artistes, on spot Sand Art painting done by Ashok Bhardwaj, Shivali Jamwal and Renu Bala enthralled the audience during the opening ceremony.
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