Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 29: Kashmir Festival 2013 concluded here today and in this connection an impressive function was held at SKICC.
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir presided over the function while as Commissioner Secretary Tourism Atul Duloo was guest of honour on the occasion.
The concluding function was attended by large number of people which include artists, music lovers, media persons, scholars, intellectuals’ poets, students and prominent citizens of the society. Famous singers; of the State, Waheed Jeelani and Raashid Jehangir enthralled the audience with their performances.
Rauf was the special attraction of the occasion.
A-10 minutes film highlighting the activities undertaken during 15 days Kashmir Festival was presented on the occasion.
On the occasion, the dignitaries released a newsletter ‘Jannat’ published by Tourism department, Coffee Table Book, Water Sports Booklet and Souvenir ‘Greening the Blue’.
The function was attended by Director Tourism Kashmir, Talat Pervez, MD JKTDC, General Manager SKICC, Senior officers of Tourism Department.
Later, prize distribution function was held in which the participants of various activities of Kashmir Fest were awarded with mementos and certificates by the dignitaries.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand said that J&K is one of the finest tourist destinations and a jewel in India’s crown, adding that the State Government is keen to recapture the numerouno position that the State enjoyed for long in the country. He said the State Government is all set to revive tourism industry which is essential for sustainable development of the State.
The Deputy Chief Minister said tourism has contributed immensely to the growth of the State, adding that multiple beneficial aspects of domestic and international tourism have special relevance to the socio-economic development of the State.
Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir in his address said that the fortnight Tourism Festival was organized by Tourism Department to fascinate the tourists to visit the Valley. He said during the festival days a number of tourist related activities were organized at different destinations with focus to showcase the adventure, river and virgin tourism besides distinct cultural heritage of the Valley.
Mir said the Government has already launched a drive to identify and explore more scenic spot in this season and added that new spots like Bungus and Neelam, Doodpathari, Yousmarg and Gurez Valley in remote areas of Kashmir have already been picked for development.
The Tourism Minister also stressed on promotion of cultural tourism by bringing more heritage sites on to the tourism map so that it can be showcased for overseas and domestic visitors.
The Tourism Minister also highlighted adventure tourism potential which, he said, has not been fully explored.
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