Chairing the event, Secretary said the last few months have witnessed an encouraging tourist footfall due to coordinated efforts of all stakeholders and the department which has been appreciated and recognized at the highest forum. He reiterated that it is the endeavor of the government to promote the tourism potential of the UT which is blessed with picturesque destinations such as Bani-Basohli, Bhaderwah, Rajouri and Poonch on a larger scale in collaboration with all stakeholders.

 

Dr. Abid Rasheed sought support and cooperation from the stakeholders in further promoting the 75 offbeat destinations identified by the department across J&K. He also advised them to come up with attractive and competitive packages so that more and more tourists are attracted to visit J&K. He said that the main aim of this interactive session is to create a direct dialogue with the stakeholders on schemes, policies and steps being taken up to promote tourism in the region. He sought suggestions from all stakeholders towards making tourism industry the most lucrative venture in the region.

 

He directed the officials of tourism department to come up with a vibrant and innovative digital tourism promotional campaign in the form of videos, reels, social media, informational blogs and vlogs.

 

The Tour Travel Operators and hotel association members lauded the efforts of the Tourism Department in promoting Jammu at National and International level, which they said, has even won accolades from many quarters in the country.

 

They appreciated the role of department in actively promoting various regions of Jammu including Bhaderwah, Bani-Basohli, Kishtwar and other potential spots in recently held travel marts like SATTE, OTM, FITUR (Madrid, Spain). They brought many issues into the notice of the Tourism Secretary and sought their redressal. 

 

Earlier, Secretary was felicitated by travel and tour fraternity who hailed his handholding and participatory approach.

 

Director Tourism, Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, gave a resume of the Tourism scenario in Jammu region besides highlighting the efforts being made by the department to tap the potential of the region and promote it across the country.

 

Special Secretary Tourism Department, Amarjeet Singh, briefed the sakeholders regarding the newly launched Utsav and Nidhi Portal by ministry of tourism.

 

Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, while moderating the whole interactive session, briefed the stakeholders regarding the major achievements of department of tourism. She briefed all about the upcoming Sinthan Snow Festival being held at Sinthan Maidan, Kishtwar, on 19th March, 2023, which shall include bike rally, snow kayaking, fun snow activities and cultural performances.

 

Secretary, Jammu Tawi Golf Course Sidhra, Manav Gupta, informed about the potential and scope of Golf Tourism in promoting the entire region for recreational sports.

 

Senior officers of the Tourism Department and representatives of various tourism trade bodies were present on the occasion. (KNS)