Srinagar, Jan 24: (KNS) Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Monday held an interactive meeting with Director Handloom and Handicrafts Mahmood A Shah as part of the department's efforts to promote handicrafts and artisans associated with it among the travellers.

In this regard, Mahmood Shah said the department has been conducting Craft Tours to give boost to artisan community by giving them direct access with the buyers.

He urged the travel and tour operators to include Craft Tours in their Tour itineraries  to help the department's initiative.

He said Srinagar has earned itself a place in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and is among 49 worldwide cities to earn this honour this year.

On the occasion, he also distributed digital brochures of Craft Tours highlighting Craft Centers in the old city Srinagar where in most of the artisans are national awardees.

The Director Handloom and Handicrafts further said they are making efforts to get the GI tags to Kashmir specific crafts and products.

In this regard, Mahmood Shah said, a dossier for Wagov ,Namda and Shikara has been prepared and is ready to be submitted to GI Authorities in Chennai.

"The GI tagging for Houseboat ,crewal, chain stitch ,copper, wicker willow is under process," he informed.

Notably, Pashmina, Sozni, Kani, Paper Machie, Walnut, Carpet and Khatumbund have already been GI tagged to preserve its originality and uniqueness.

The interactive session was held after TAAK held its Executive Committee Meeting which was chaired by its President Farooq Kuthoo.

The members in the meeting appreciated the efforts of the Handloom department in promoting the craft and creating craft tours in the old city.

President TAAK urged the members to acquaint themselves with Kashmir's rich history of art and craft beside it's heritage.

He also urged them to diversify their tour itineraries by incorporating Art and Craft Tours and Haritage tours in their packages.(KNS)