Will consult all stakeholders to boost Jammu tourism: J&K Tourism Secy

Jammu: Batting for innovative use of digital technology to promote Jammu’s holistic destination in the tourism sector by generating markets to promote various products and destinations, newly appointed Secretary to Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah on Tuesday said that all stakeholders will be taken on board to achieve the goal.
Reviewing Tourism scenario of Jammu in a joint interactive session of Tour Travel Operators, Hotel Associations and Officers of the Department here at a meeting, Dr Shah said that due to the coordinated efforts of the stakeholders and the department the last few months witnessed an unexpectedly encouraging tourist footfall and the same was recognized by the Government at the highest level and on the floor of the Parliament.
Further, he reiterated that it is the endeavour of the Government to promote the Tourism Potential of the Union Territory which is blessed with picturesque locations such as Bani, Basohli in Kathua district, Bhaderwah in Doda district, Rajouri and Poonch districts on a bigger Scale in collaboration with the stakeholders.
Seeking support and cooperation from the stakeholders and further promoting the 75 Offbeat destinations identified by the Department across Jammu and Kashmir, he also advised them to come up with attractive and competitive packages so that more and more tourists are persuaded to visit this beautiful destination.
“We want to create a direct dialogue with the stakeholders on schemes, policies and steps being taken to promote tourism for positive dimensional growth through such sessions with an objective and for the effective decision making suggestions and opinions invited from all,” said the Secretary Tourism.
Further, he directed the officials of the tourism department to come up with a vibrant and innovative digital promotional campaign in the form of videos, reels, social media, informational blogs, vlogs etc to attract the youngsters which are the pulse of the tourism department.
The Tour Travel Operators and hotel association members lauded the efforts of the Tourism Department in promoting Jammu at National and International level, which they said, has even won accolades from many quarters in the country.
They appreciated the role of the Tourism Department in actively promoting various regions of Jammu including Bhaderwah, Bani-Basohli, Kishtwar etc. in recent travel marts like SATTE, OTM, FITUR (Madrid, Spain).
They brought many issues into the notice of the Tourism Secretary and sought their redressal.
Also, Director Tourism, Jammu, Vivekanand Rai gave a resume of the Tourism Scenario in Jammu region and the efforts being made to tap the potential of the region and promote it across the country.
Special Secretary Tourism Department, J&K, Amarjeet Singh, briefed the stakeholders regarding the newly launched Utsav and Nidhi Portal by Ministry of Tourism whereas the Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, while moderating the whole interactive session briefed the stakeholders regarding the major achievements of Department of Tourism.
She also briefed all about the upcoming Sinthan Snow Festival being held at Sinthan Maidan, Kishtwar on March 19, which shall include bike rally, snow kayaking, fun snow activities, cultural performances etc.
Secretary Jammu Tawi Golf Course Sidhra, Manav Gupta informed about the potential and scope of Golf Tourism in promoting the entire region for recreational sports.

UNI