Dedication of whole department made its possible: Mir
Srinagar: For the second year running, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has valued and appreciated the working of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department by conferring it with the National Tourism Award for the year 2012-13 in the Category “Best State–Comprehensive Development of Tourism”.
Talking to KNS, G.A Mir, minister for tourism Jammu and Kashmir observed: “I congratulate the whole department of tourism that has worked hard and contributed its best which has resulted into this award.” Mir said that the department will put in efforts to connect with the outside world to attract the tourist flow to Kashmir. “In this regard we may visit different potential countries to make the people aware about our world famous tourist destinations,” he added.
According to a statement issued to KNS, the award was presented by ministry of tourism, government of India in New Delhi on 18th February, 2014. This has been possible as the department completed CFA schemes within the stipulated time and also had mechanisms in place to monitor the progress of projects.
The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir implemented major projects like the Nagar Nagar Mega Heritage Tourist Circuit, Tourist City Centre at Srinagar and also introduced niche activities like Paragliding and Yachting to add new dimension to the adventure segment. Promotional activities were undertaken in new potential markets like South East Asia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, Russia and Central Asian Countries of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and others.
The Jammu Directorate earned laurels for developing Border Tourism and for revitalization of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. Ladakh continues to attract tourists for its unparalleled landscape and unique culture. The Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation commissioned a new lift at Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, Srinagar besides installing Ski Chairlift at Kongdori–Gulmarg for promoting skiing in International Market.
“Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation made functional its new property at Yousmarg and also augmented facilities at its hutments elsewhere. SKICC, Srinagar hosted several International and National Conferences and earned praise from all quarters regarding immaculate conduct of these events,” the statement reads.
It added that a Golf Development and Management Authority was constituted and Royal Springs Golf Course easily held-on to its status as the most cherished course in the country. The Leh Golf Course, when ready, will be the most inimitable course in the world. The role of Tourism Development Authorities deserves special mention as they had a challenging task of creation of assets in regions that were new and ecologically fragile and thus required focused development strategy.
“State has successfully implemented Rural Tourism Projects in 33 villages to showcase the Rural Landscape and Tourism potential of the remote villages of the State and to ensure disposal of economic earnings to the hinterland as well. State has undertaken the challenging task of capacity building and service delivery improvements. About 5000 un-employed youths have been trained in Hospitality & Tourism services in various Tourism Institutes to serve the Tourism industry in more professional manner,” the statement reads further.
It added that the State has earned fame for developing Niche Tourism activities in Golf, Aero Sports, Water Sports and skiing/snow boarding. State has hosted national championships for white Water Kayaking, Rock climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, cycling, mountaineering, car rallies and many rural sports like Archery, Polo, Boat Racing and others.
“Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Minister for Tourism and Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, MoS, Tourism have provided visionary leadership to the officers of the Department who in turn have worked tirelessly for development and promotion of Tourism. Zaffar Ahmad, Secretary Tourism and Culture, Talat Parvez, Director Tourism, Kashmir and Soujanya Sharma, Director Tourism, Jammu, other officers of the Department and every single official deserve credit for the accolades that have been bestowed on this Department.” (KNS)