With an aim of increasing the footfall of tourists, the Jammu and Kashmir government has planned to organise a media conclave of top journalists of the country at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg next month.
"A media conclave of top names in the Fourth Estate will be held in the ski resort of Gulmarg later this year to help change the mindset of people about visiting Kashmir," an official spokesman said after the first meeting of the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB).
The Board has been constituted recently to advise and suggest measures for tourism development, promotion and publicity as well as creation of high-end infrastructure.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at the famous hill resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir yesterday, was informed by Secretary Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah about 'Single Window Mechanism' established by the Department to speed up clearances of tourism-related proposals.
He also referred to the recently-launched chopper service to Gulmarg and Pahalgam as a huge step which would provide further impetus to convention and golf tourism in the state.
Former Union Tourism Secretary Parvez Dewan, in his remarks, suggested the need to focus more on domestic tourist arrivals, particularly from Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal, from which the state receives highest footfall of tourists.
On the issue of building capacities in the services sectors connected to tourism industry, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of ITDC Umang Narula proposed conducting a training programme by ITDC for youth from J&K to hone their skills in the hospitality sector.
Former Director General, Tourism, Salim Beigh, in his
remarks, suggested organising a National Folk Festival in the state which will provide a window to integrate culture and heritage with state's tourism industry.
Bharat Chaudhary of KC Residency suggested the possibilities of linking sports events with the state's travel industry.
To explore the possibilities of expanding scope of adventure tourism, some of the members also suggested holding a Himalayan Travel Mart in the state. Working out a strategy for brand positioning of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as a wholesome destination for travellers from within and outside the country was also suggested.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Pahalgam Hotel and Restaurant Owners' Association called on Chief Minister Sayeed and discussed several issues related to making Pahalgam an all-season destination.
Led by the association president, Asif Burza, the hoteliers also presented a memorandum to the Chief Minister highlighting their demands.
These demands included creation of infrastructural facilities like ski lifts and snow beaters, putting in place a uniform facade of shops in the market place, construction of common Sewerage Treatment Plants in second and third phases, grant of permission for carrying out minor repairs of hotels in a hassle-free manner and renewal of leases.
The Chief Minister assured the delegation of all the necessary action, the spokesman said.
