Members hail Dr Itoo and Waseem Raja for their role in tourism promotion
Srinagar, Sep 18 (KNS) Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) held its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Aharbal in Kulgam district from 16-18 September 2022 in an effort to promote the off best tourist place among the travellers.
Large number of travel consultants, destination promotors participated in the event.
During the AGM, the present office bearer and Executive Committee was given one year extention as per the constitution of TAAK which was hailed by the members present.
Members unanimously hailed the efforts of Farooq Kuthoo as the president of TAAK and vociferously opined for the extension of the present office bearers for one more year.
TAAK conferred Manzoor Siddiq Memorial award posthumously to late M Hafeez Shala for his outstanding commitment to tourism sector.
The bravery award was given posthumously to tourist guide Shakeel Ahmad who drowned while trying to rescue tourist trekker during their trip to Tarsar Lake in June this year.
Ibrahim Raina ,a TAAK Member was given bravery award for leading the rescue operations and successfully retreiving the body of the deceased tourist who drowned in the river at Hamwas during Tarsar Trek.
Malik Hamidullah Bazaz was given lifetime achievement award for his immense contribution to Tourism industry in particular and TAAK in general.
Special Secretary Jal Shakti department Dr. GN Itoo was the special guest and Additional Deputy Commissioner Babdipora Wasim Raja was the guest of honour who were felicitated for their tremendous contribution to Tourism industry during their tenure with Department of tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. GN Itoo hailed TAAK for organising their AGM at Aharbal which he said is a good step in promoting off beat destination.
He said TAAK has been at the forefront in promoting the Kashmir in general and lesser visited places in particular.
Dr. Itoo further said promoting offbeat destination will also help decongest tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg.
Wasim Raja, in his speech, said every part of Kashmir is laced with unique beauty which need to be promoted.
He said promoting off beat destination is also a great service to the community in these area where tourists visit less in numbers comparatively to the popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg.
President TAAK Farooq A Kuthoo welcomed the members and highlighted the importance of holding AGM at Aharbal.
He said TAAK had previously held its AGM in Lolab also to give impetus to that place.
On the occasion, the President TAAK also highlighted the acheivements and the activities carried out for the promotion of Kashmir tourism.
He said TAAK has been promoting eco-friendly and responsible tourism to safeguard the Kashmir's fragile ecology.
During the AGM, angling, hiking and cleanliness drives were also held.
Around 50 students of the local school participated in the cleanliness drive at Aharbal park.
All the members present in the meeting appreciated the efforts of TAAK for promoting off beat destinations.
TAAK hailed the role of tourism department for their support in making the AGM a grand success. The conduct and preparations of the AGM were supervised by Events Committee Chairman G Nabi Bhat.
The event was moderated by former President Peerzada Faiyaz and Ashfaq Siddiq Dug, the Annual Administration Report was read out by Acting Secretary General Sajad Ahmad Kralyari,Mohammad Shafi Jan , finance secretary gave financial and budget report.
The meeting concluded with vote of thanks presented by vice President Habibullah Pandow.(KNS)