Srinagar, Sep 27 (KNS): The department of tourism Kashmir celebrated World Tourism Day here in Srinagar in which travel trade fraternity and Kashmir university students participated who highlighted the importance of preserving ecologically fragile environment of the state.
This year the theme of the World Tourism Day being celebrated every year on September 27 was sustainable tourism – a tool for development.
The event was first of its kind in which tourism department joined its hands with academia and industry to brainstorm about the tourism promotion.
A good number of students and teachers from Kashmir University besides travel trade fraternity participated in the event.
Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah was the chief guest who urged people especially travel trade fraternity to promote eco-tourism.
He said Kashmir’s environment is very fragile which needs to be protected by the people and especially the travel trade fraternity.
“If we don’t take care of our environment, it will only destroy us. Most of the population here is directly or indirectly dependent on tourism sector, we need to preserve and conserve our environment so that we save our state and tourism sector,” said Shah.
Director tourism Kashmir said the department is making all out efforts to promote tourism and bring back tourists.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“We will organize more road shows and seminars outside the state and promote tourism,” said Director Tourism Kashmir.
He also complemented people for overwhelming support to the recently launched ad film on Kashmir hospitality which has received over 5 million views in few days only on social media. He also sought their support in promoting tourism.
On the occasion several representatives from travel trade fraternity also spoke about tourism sector.
Tourism and Hospitality Management students of the Kashmir University who also participated in the event performed many skits highlighting importance of preserving environment for sustainable tourism.
The students in their short plays drew the attention of the people towards conserving Dal Lake besides emphasizing on making efforts for afforestation.
Deputy Directors of Tourism department Peerzada Zahoor, Riyaz Beigh and Wasim Raja besides Coordinator of Tourism and Hospitality Management studies KU Dr Riyaz Qureshi were also present on the occasion.
The event was held in collaboration with Department of Management, KU and Wildlife Conservation Fund. (KNS)