Says “tourism linked to livelihood of people; promotion of new destinations a priority, focusing on all seasons, products”
Srinagar: Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N. Itoo Wednesday convened an extensive review meeting with senior officers of the Department including senior officers, resort officers and other employees to review the overall functioning of the department.
The Director Tourism observed that Kashmir is an all season destination offering visitors not only mesmerising beauty of its natural landscape, its perennial revisers and lakes, gardens and meadows, mountains and valleys, forests and wildlife but also diversity of tourism products with its adventure potential, cuisine, heritage, pilgrimage circuits and plenty of leisure tourism.
Dr. Itoo said tourism is an important sector which is directly linked to common masses and provides immediate employment opportunities and livelihood to lakhs of local people. He said tourists visiting Kashmir should leave with beautiful memories and in this regard instructed all resort officers to work with zeal and zest to ensure tourists feel comfortable while holidaying here.
He also directed the resort officers to submit the directorate office the daily updates on the tourists arrivals and other developments related to tourism in their territories.
The Director Tourism Kashmir said J&K is blessed with abundant natural beauty and splendour which needs to be explored to its fullest.
He also urged the officers to focus on maintaining existing infrastructural facilities at all the tourist destinations. He also asked them to work on attracting travellers to lesser known destinations and also identify new places which can be promoted and developed so that the rush at the major destinations can be eased to their carrying capacity.
He said all the employees of the department should work hard towards making JK the best tourist destination of the country.
Dr. Itoo also interacted with the employees and listened to various issues patiently and assured them that all their issues will be resolved in a time bound manner.
He also urged the Tourist Police to ensure the presence of their personnel at major tourist spots for the proper regulation of the trade practices and ensure no violation, cheating or fraud take place with the visitors.
He also stressed upon ramping up the publicity of all the tourism products through print, electronic, social media and outdoor advertising.
The Director Tourism further emphasised on preparing an advanced plan for the country wide promotional programs through road shows while also involving local tourism stakeholders.
He stressed on organising various events at various tourists resorts while also following proper SOPs related to Covid.
Earlier, Joint Director Tourism Tabassum Kamili gave a detailed presentation highlighting the role of each wing of the department and also promotional activities being carried out within and outside J&K.
On the occasion, the employees also gave a warm send off to the outgoing Director Tourism Nisar Ahmad Wani who has been posted as Managing Director, JKTDC. They praised his efforts in promoting tourism during tough times during COVID-19 pandemic.
