Srinagar, August 12(KNS): In a significant development for the tourism sector of Jammu & Kashmir, the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir (EAK) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tourism India Alliance (TIA), one of the prominent national platforms representing stakeholders from India’s travel and tourism industry.
The historic MOU was signed at Golden Tulip, Sonwar, Srinagar, with the objective of strengthening collaboration, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism, facilitating industry partnerships and creating new opportunities for the growth of Kashmir as a premier tourism destination.
The ceremony was graced by Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, Hon’ble Member of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly from Pampore and former Member of Parliament from Anantnag, as the Chief Guest. Justice Masoodi appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts among government, industry and other stakeholders for building a sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.
Mr. Sameer Baktoo, President, Ecotourism Association of Kashmir, said that the MOU marks an important milestone in the Association’s efforts to promote responsible tourism and position Kashmir as a destination where tourism growth goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability, community participation and service excellence. He emphasised the need for stronger industry partnerships and wider national collaboration to showcase Kashmir’s diverse tourism potential.
Mr. Mukesh Jain, Executive Vice President, Tourism India Alliance (TIA), highlighted the importance of bringing together tourism stakeholders through meaningful partnerships. He stressed that collaboration between national tourism platforms and local industry bodies can help create stronger market linkages, exchange expertise and collectively contribute to the growth of tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
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Mr. Waseem Raja, Joint Director, Tourism, Kashmir, also attended the ceremony and shared his perspective on tourism promotion and strengthening the tourism ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. The Tourism Department has been working closely with travel trade and tourism stakeholders to promote the destination and strengthen tourism activity across the region. (JKGAD??)
The event was also attended by Mr. Tariq Hussain Naik, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, who shared valuable perspectives on destination development, sustainable tourism and the future prospects of Gulmarg. His participation underlined the importance of coordinated efforts for developing tourism destinations in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
The ceremony brought together representatives of the tourism industry, travel trade, hospitality sector, government departments, environmental stakeholders and other members of the tourism fraternity.
The signing of the MOU was widely welcomed by the participants as an important step towards creating a stronger platform for cooperation between Kashmir’s tourism industry and national tourism stakeholders.
The collaboration is expected to facilitate joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, tourism promotion, capacity building, sustainable destination development and stronger industry linkages, contributing towards making Jammu & Kashmir a more responsible, inclusive and globally competitive tourism destination.
The Ecotourism Association of Kashmir expressed its gratitude to the Chief Guest, Tourism India Alliance, government representatives, tourism stakeholders, members of the media and all distinguished guests for their presence and support in making the occasion a memorable and significant milestone for the tourism sector of Jammu & Kashmir.(KNS).