Srinagar, May 4: The All India Hoteliers Federation organised a conclave in Srinagar to promote tourism in Kashmir. The conclave was a joint venture of the All India Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Association of India with the Department of Tourism and was held at Hotel Radisson in the city.
Director of Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob said, “Kashmir is already branded. It is an attractive destination. We need more promotion here. Today’s conclave had many investors. It will go a long way in sending a message that Kashmir is open for investment and people are welcome here. Here apart from the landscape, the heritage, craft, and culture are very rich. Here food is world class. People should not be confined here. The conclave is aimed at promoting tourism.”
He further said that the tourism department will be conducting a tourism development conference.
“We will invite stakeholders throughout the country. We are also planning an Ambassadors’ meet. Tourism is one of the mainstays of the economy. The G-20’s success will have a direct impact on foreign tourism. In the last four months, there has been a 61 per cent growth in foreign tourism.
On this occasion, a traditional cultural musical performance given by prominent and professional female artists was the major attraction for delegates and other visitors.
This event served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies and initiatives to revive and enhance tourism in the region, which has faced challenges due to various factors in recent years.
The conclave featured insightful discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on highlighting the unparalleled beauty, cultural richness, and hospitality of Kashmir. Key topics included infrastructure development, safety measures, marketing campaigns, and community engagement to ensure a sustainable and thriving tourism industry.
By bringing together experts, government officials, hospitality professionals, and other stakeholders, the conclave fostered collaboration and collective action towards repositioning Kashmir as a premier tourist destination. Moreover, it showcased the commitment of both the private and public sectors to support the region’s economic growth and cultural preservation through tourism.
The event concluded with the formulation of actionable strategies and recommendations to address the challenges and capitalise on the immense potential of Kashmir as a tourism hotspot.
It is hoped that such initiatives will contribute to the revitalization of the tourism sector in Kashmir and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the valley and its people.
