TAAK, PHAROA release directories at OTM, Mumbai
Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department organized a press conference at OMT, Mumbai on Friday. A large gathering of exhibitors and visitors participated were present on the occasion.
Chief Guest Secretary Tourism J&K Farooq A Shah gave full profile of the J&K and highlighted the features of its three regions.
He said besides existing destinations, new destinations like Gurez are being promoted in a big way by the government.
He also said J&K is the only state having tourist police who ensure every smooth and comfortable stay of the tourists in the State.
He said under J&K Tourist Trade Act the offenders and culprits are booked which deters others from fleecing tourists.
Secretary Tourism said J&K tourism department has taken many tourism-friendly initiatives for the growth of tourism industry and comfortable stay of tourists.
Farooq Shah also highlighted the golf potential of the State. He said all the regions of the State have best golf courses.
“We have best golf courses not only in India but in the world,” said.
Various travel agents posed many questions to Secretary Tourism regarding the problems they face in promoting J&K.
On why air fare to Kashmir are very high during peak season, Secretary Tourism said J&K government is working on it.
“We are holding airlines on board. We will work out mechanism and ensure the airlines fix an upper slab of fares during peak season,” he said.
Shah said Dachigam is a national wildlife park which is also being promoted among travelers while also taking into consideration its fragile ecology.
“We have taken on board the wildlife department and we will soon come up with a schedule according to which the travellers will be allowed to visit the park,” he said.
Many travel agents who have been promoting Kashmir for many years expressed concern over the manhandling by the ponywalls at Gulmarg.
However, secretary tourism said tourists should also convey their complaints to the department.
“The tourism department would take stern action against anyone who harasses tourists. The tourists or travel agents should inform tourism police or any tourist department officer about any problems which would to taken care of immediately,” he assured.
Earlier, Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah gave a detailed presentation on the high-altitude lakes in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said there are many high-altitude lakes which tourists and especially adventure lover can trek to.
On the occasion, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) released its 8th Directory.
Pahalgam Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association also released its directory.
