On 12th July 2024, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (Northern Region) orchestrated a significant Tourism Stakeholders Conference at the Institute of Hotel Management Srinagar, J&K. The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Manisha Saxena, IAS, the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, who served as the chief guest. This conference brought together a diverse group of esteemed speakers and stakeholders, each contributing expert insights towards advancing tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
Setting the Vision for Sustainable Tourism Development
In her keynote address, Ms. Manisha Saxena, IAS emphasized the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in Jammu & Kashmir. She detailed the Ministry’s policies and schemes to create a sustainable tourism model that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship. Her speech highlighted the Ministry’s strategic narrative that prioritizes sustainable development while ensuring the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage is preserved and enhanced.
Promoting Inclusive Growth
Ms. Saxena further elaborated on the Ministry’s initiatives to foster inclusive growth within the tourism sector. She underscored the importance of involving local communities in tourism activities, thereby ensuring that the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed. This approach boosts the local economy, empowers communities, and preserves local traditions and practices.
Insights from Esteemed Speakers
Dr. R.K. Suman provided a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s strategic plans and ongoing projects to boost tourism in the northern region of India. His presentation focused on the infrastructural developments, marketing campaigns, and collaborative efforts with local authorities to enhance the overall tourism experience in J&K.
Mr. Raja Yaqoob Farooq highlighted the unique attractions of Kashmir and the potential for adventure tourism. He discussed various initiatives undertaken by the Directorate of Tourism to promote Kashmir as a premier tourist destination, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and security for tourists.
Mr. Waseem Raja elaborated on the developmental projects in Gulmarg, a popular ski resort. He detailed the efforts to upgrade the infrastructure and services in Gulmarg to meet international standards, thereby attracting more tourists and boosting the local economy.
Mr. Tariq Hussain discussed the strategies for promoting Pahalgam as a prime destination for ecotourism. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices to preserve the pristine natural environment while enhancing the tourism infrastructure to cater to the growing number of visitors.
Mr. Nasir Shah shared his views on the role of travel agents and tour operators in promoting tourism in J&K. He stressed the importance of training and capacity building for these stakeholders to ensure high-quality service delivery and enhanced tourist experiences.
Mr. Ather Yameen highlighted the need for innovative marketing strategies to attract both domestic and international tourists. He discussed the potential of digital marketing and social media in creating a global appeal for the tourism offerings of J&K.
Mr. Sameer Baktoo provided insights into the promotion of eco-tourism in Kashmir. He underscored the importance of environmental conservation and community involvement in eco-tourism initiatives, ensuring that tourism development is sustainable and beneficial for local communities.
Mr. Shamim Shah discussed the challenges faced by the tourism industry in J&K and proposed solutions to overcome these obstacles. His talk focused on policy advocacy, infrastructure development, and the need for cohesive efforts between government bodies and private stakeholders.
Mr. Manzoor Pakhtoon highlighted the unique cultural heritage of Kashmir’s houseboats and the need to preserve this heritage while promoting it as a distinctive tourist attraction. He discussed initiatives to improve the quality of houseboat services and ensure environmental sustainability.
Mr. Zahoor Ahmed emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in the tourism sector. He discussed the need for synergy between different stakeholders to create a unified approach towards tourism development and marketing.
Detailed Presentation by Mr. Awanish Mishra
Mr. Awanish Mishra from the Ministry of Tourism delivered an informative presentation on the NIDHI+ portal, detailing the process of registration and recognition for tourism service providers. This portal is a critical tool for standardizing service quality and ensuring that all providers meet the necessary criteria, thereby enhancing the overall tourist experience in the region.
Participation and Success of the Conference
The conference saw the participation of over 100 tourism service providers, making it a resounding success. The diverse participation underscored the collective commitment towards advancing tourism in J&K. The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking among stakeholders.
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