Pahalgam: The Executive Committee of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) conducted a two-day tour to Pahalgam on November 25-26 2023 during which it had brainstorming sessions with Tourism officials including the CEO of Pahalgam Development Authority, Assistant Director of Tourism and local service providers in order to devise ways to further enrich the experiences of the travellers visiting this popular tourist destination.
The 16-member TAAK Executive Committee was led by its President Rauf Tramboo.
In the meeting with CEO PDA Tariq Hussain Naik and AD Pahalgam Jahid Azad, TAAK EC appreciated the ongoing efforts of the tourism department in developing Pahalgam as a winter attraction in addition to being the most popular summer tourist resort.
The EC also raised concerns about the cleanliness, pony movement, regulation of the union taxis, unregulated constructions, and waste management besides urging to upgrade facilities for winter tourism.
On the occasion, the CEO of PDA appreciated the efforts of the TAAK for the promotion of responsible tourism on eco-friendly lines and assured full support to the association in making Pahalgam one of the most tourist-friendly and happening resorts in the country.
The CEO of PDA said they have many proposals at hand including installing drag lifts at Aru for the skiers besides creating other entertainment avenues for the travellers so that they can extend their stays for more days to cover all the activities in Pahalgam.
He said many avenues are being created to boost winter tourism at Pahalgam to make it a round-the-year destination.
The Executive Committee of TAAK also held meetings with representatives from Pahalgam taxi stands and ponywallas.
The Pahalgam Taxi Stand Union was represented by its President Ghulam Muhammad and others who pledged full support in the best services to the visitors.
On the occasion, the TAAK President apprised them about the importance of tourist-friendly behaviour, capacity building, honesty, and professionalism among all service providers including drivers and ponywallas, while dealing with the visitors.
TAAK EC also visited various old and newly upgraded properties and interacted with the hotel staff
Earlier, TAAK also held its EC at Hotel Sparrow where besides its EC body, Past President Farooq A Kuthoo, and Secretary General Sajad Kralyari also participated.
