Srinagar: Following the interactions with the Tour and Travel fraternity of West Bengal and Gujarat, J&K Tourism and the Maharashtra Tour Organizers Association (MTOA) on Wednesday organized a Webinar on the theme ‘Chalo Kashmir’.
J&K receives among the largest chunk of tourists from States like West Bengal, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The Webinar panel comprised of Secretary, Tourism, J&K, Mr Sarmad Hafeez, Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mr Nisar Ahmad Wani, Deputy Director, Publicity, Mr Ideel Saleem, President MTOA, Mr Prabhubhai, President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, Mr Farooq A Kuthoo, President, TAFI, Mr Pradeep Lulla President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir (ATOAK), Rauf Tramboo,Vice President MTOA, Mr Vishvajeet Patil, Treasurer MTOA, Mr Rajan Parekh, Ex Presidents MTOA, Mr Sudhir Patil and Mr Atul Mohil and Ex Vice President, MTOA, Abhijeet Patil.
A promotional video and a presentation on tourism destinations in Jammu and Kashmir including its lesser known Tourism destinations and an array of adventure activities being promoted in the Union Territory were showcased during the Webinar.
“As COVID restrictions have eased in the Union Territory, allowing for hassle free travel to all Tourism destinations, J&K Tourism has started its publicity campaigns with hosting of series of activities and reaching out to the tourism stakeholders across the country about the facilities in place for the tourists and to convey the message that J&K is ready to welcome the tourists”. Secretary, Tourism Mr Sarmad Hafeez said. He added that Tourism Industry in J&K is resilient and has always bounced back in the face of many challenges. “Although COVID presented a unique challenge, we are sure that with the support of the stakeholders, Tourism sector will bounce back in J&K”.
Secretary, Tourism informed that capacity building programmes are being held to impart training to the workers and staff in the Hospitality business, so that they are made aware about the SoPs to be maintained while serving the guests.
Addressing the Webinar, Director Tourism said that a calendar of activities for autumn season and the upcoming winter season has been drawn and the all measures for health safety of the Tourists are in place. He apprised the Tour Operators of Maharashtra about the easing of restrictions related to COVID19 in J&K including lifting of curbs on entry of people into J&K by road, rail or air, opening up all tourism destinations, parks, hotels and restaurants, opening up of Gulmarg Gondola, opening up of cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, swimming pools, lifting of ceiling in open spaces and various other measures and guidelines to facilitate tourists and general public while ensuring health safety.
During the interactions, it was revealed that a large number of queries have been received from prospective tourists from Maharashtra for visiting J&K in Autumn and the ensuing winter months.
President MTOA, Mr Parbhubhai assured unconditional support of the association for J&K Tourism and reiterated that J&K will always remain the most preferred destination for the Tour and Travel fraternity of Maharashtra.
