Secretary interacts with Tourism stakeholders of Jammu

Asks them to come forward with ideas for promotion of tourism in region

JAMMU, May 12: Secretary, Tourism, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah today held an interactive meeting with various Tourism Stakeholders of Jammu division to review the current scenario and chalk out the strategy for upcoming publicity, promotional and developmental campaign for this year.

During the interaction, the Secretary complimented the service providers for their support and cooperation in achieving a brisk tourism season last year and urged them to come forward with their ideas for promotion of tourism in the region. He sought their support in maintaining the tempo of tourist arrivals in the coming days as well.

Speaking on different initiatives of government for tourism promotion, Dr. Abid highlighted that the Government has already notified Homestay guidelines and asked the stakeholders to popularize these among the fraternity. He added that in coming months, the department has planned various promotional activities to sustain and improve the tourist footfall to J&K.

Elaborating on the upcoming programme, the Secretary highlighted that vibrant and colourful festivals at Bani Basohli, Bhaderwah, Patnitop, as well as other places are being planned to attract maximum tourists towards the region.

During the interactive session, Dr. Abid also sought suggestions and active participation of the travel trade bodies for the successful conduct of these festivals especially the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra and also discussed the suggestions with regards to development of the tourist destinations. He further elaborated that the department shall shortly organise fam tours for travel agents/bloggers so that the offbeat locations of Jammu are explored and put on tourism map.

The Secretary during the interaction also emphasized upon the officers of department to come up with early solutions to issues raised by stakeholders. He asked the officers to act as facilitators so that the issues of stakeholders are genuinely addressed.

The tourism stakeholders, during the interaction, complimented the department for its efforts in taking the sector to new heights and organising events at Mubarak Mandi, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, among other places. They also put forth their suggestions and even sought redressal of some of their difficulties which they face on daily basis.

Director, Tourism, Jammu, Vivekanand Rai; Special Secretary Tourism Department, Amarjeet Singh; Joint Director Tourism, Deputy Directors, other officers of the Department; representatives of hoteliers, travel agents and other stakeholders were also present during the interaction.