Srinagar, April 15 (KNS) :Jammu and Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (JKHARA) has expressed satisfaction over the good tourist footfall to the Valley over the past few months.
As per the statement issued to kashmir news service (KNS),Chairman JKHARA Showkat M Chowdhary said the untiring efforts put in by Directorate of Tourism Kashmir under the dynamic leadership of its Secretary Tourism Mr. Sarmad Hafeez and Director Tourism Kashmir Dr. GN Itoo, the tourist flow to the valley has seen an upward trend despite pandemic which has helped tide over some of the losses incurred by the industry for over two years.
Chowdhary said as per the recent statement by Hon’be LG Manoj Sinha, Kashmir has received the highest number of tourists in the past three months than any other state in the country for which he credit should go to the department of tourism.
He said over one lakh tourist arrivals to Kashmir since January this year has rejuvenated hopes of the people associated with the sector and the recent Tourism Ministry Conference in Srinagar focussing on promoting Kashmir tourism will also go a long with in putting Kashmir as top tourist destination.
“Tourism Department JK has been successful in hosting a mega event event by Union Tourism Ministry where in Union Secretary Tourism Mr. Arvind Singh, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism GoI, Ms Rupinder Brar, high profile dignitaries including HE the ambassadors to India from Kenya, Vietnam, Georgia, also participated which was highlighted vigorously in national media. The conference has sent a positive message about Kashmir’s tourism. The credit goes to the Directorate of tourism for such a big event,” he said.
However, in view of the recent surge in the Covid19 cases, the tourist bookings may see cancellations for which the tourism department has also set up a robust mechanism of testing every traveller entering the Valley.
“The department of tourism has also started vaccination drive for people associated with tourism industry including hoteliers, their staff, drivers, houseboat owners and shikara walas which will further encourage travellers to visit Kashmir,” he said.
Chowhdhary assured the tourism department the stakeholders will ensure that all SOPs are followed in letter and spirit so that the travellers feel safe and secure while holidaying here.(KNS)