Srinagar, Jun 27 (KNO): Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob said the government is targeting to promote offbeat tourist destinations of Kashmir in a sustainable manner.
While speaking to the media after the culmination of two-day Tourism Development Conclave at SKICC, Yaqoob, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the event was aimed at promoting the tourism of Jammu and Kashmir at a massive level.
“The government is going to take some positive steps. The government is trying to promote offbeat destinations in a very sustainable manner. We will come out with a. roadmap to promote some more offbeat destinations apart from Gulmarg and Pahalgam,” he said.
He said they witnessed an amazing response from various stakeholders at the conclave. “We had G20 Sherpa Shri Amitabh Kant, national travel heads and many dignitaries in the panel,” Yaqoob said.
He said they have taken the viewpoint of the panelists and will implement them to promote tourism of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The domestic stakeholders shared their views and we will involve them to promote tourism of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Meanwhile, the concluding day of tourism development conclave 2024 witnessed insightful discussions and strategic deliberations aimed at revitalizing tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, chaired multiple panel sessions focusing on diverse aspects of tourism development.
He underscored the need for creating transformative experiences in Kashmir, highlighting its shift towards experiential tourism in domains such as adventure, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry but expressed optimism about overcoming them through concerted efforts.
On the Occasion Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, emphasized Kashmir's enduring strength in hospitality and the imperative to address issues like overcharging and cheating to enhance visitor experiences and encourage repeat tourism.
The conclave also spotlighted niche tourism segments such as adventure tourism, pilgrimage circuits and eco-tourism with presentations from Saleem Beg, former DG Tourism and discussions on sustainability led by the Tourism Department J&K. Participants included prominent figures such as Padma Shri Ajeet Bajaj of Snow Leopard Adventure, Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, and Anuradha Goyal, Travel Blogger and Writer, underscoring a commitment towards promoting Kashmir as a diverse and enriching tourist destination.
In his concluding remarks, Amitabh Kant urged upon the tourism department to collaborate with travel writers and operators to showcase Kashmir's unique offerings and transform global perceptions of the region—(KNO)