JAMMU: Secretary Tourism and Culture, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, today reviewed the Tourism scenario of Jammu in a joint interactive session held with Tour Travel Operators, Hotel Associations and officers of the Tourism Department here.
Chairing the event, Secretary said the last few months have witnessed encouraging tourist footfall due to coordinated efforts of all stakeholders and the department which has been appreciated and recognized at the highest forum. He reiterated that it is the endeavor of the government to promote the tourism potential of the UT which is blessed with picturesque destinations such as Bani-Basohli, Bhaderwah, Rajouri, and Poonch on a larger scale in collaboration with all stakeholders.
Dr. Abid Rasheed sought support and cooperation from the stakeholders in further promoting the 75 offbeat destinations identified by the department across J&K. He also advised them to come up with attractive and competitive packages so that more and more tourists are attracted to visit J&K.
He said that the main aim of this interactive session is to create a direct dialogue with the stakeholders on schemes, policies and steps being taken up to promote tourism in the region. He sought suggestions from all stakeholders towards making the tourism industry the most lucrative venture in the region.
He directed the officials of the tourism department to come up with a vibrant and innovative digital tourism promotional campaign in the form of videos, reels, social media, informational blogs, and vlogs.
The Tour Travel Operators and hotel association members lauded the efforts of the Tourism Department in promoting Jammu at the National and International levels, which they said, has even won accolades from many quarters in the country.
They appreciated the role of the department in actively promoting various regions of Jammu including Bhaderwah, Bani-Basohli, Kishtwar, and other potential spots in recently held travel marts like SATTE, OTM, FITUR (Madrid, Spain). They brought many issues to the notice of the Tourism Secretary and sought their redressal.
Earlier, Secretary was felicitated by the travel and tour fraternity who hailed his handholding and participatory approach.
Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, gave a resume of the Tourism scenario in the Jammu region besides highlighting the efforts being made by the department to tap the potential of the region and promote it across the country.
Special Secretary Tourism Department, Amarjeet Singh, briefed the stakeholders regarding the newly launched Utsav and Nidhi Portal by the ministry of tourism.
Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, while moderating the whole interactive session, briefed the stakeholders regarding the major achievements of the department of tourism. She briefed all about the upcoming Sinthan Snow Festival being held at Sinthan Maidan, Kishtwar, on March 19th, 2023, which shall include a bike rally, snow kayaking, fun snow activities, and cultural performances.
Secretary, Jammu Tawi Golf Course Sidhra, Manav Gupta, informed about the potential and scope of Golf Tourism in promoting the entire region for recreational sports.
Senior officers of the Tourism Department and representatives of various tourism trade bodies were present on the occasion.
