Shobhum Kotwal KATRA, 05/12/2023: Secretary Tourism, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed (IAS), hosted an interactive session with members of the Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association during their four-day Familiarization Tour across scenic locations like Bhaderwah, Jai Valley, Guldanda, Patnitop, and Katra.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Director Tourism Sh. Vivekanand Rai (IRS), DC Reasi Sh. Vishesh Pal Mahajan (JKAS), Joint Director Tourism Ms. Sunaina Sharma Mehta (JKAS), CEO KDA Sh. Gopal Sharma (JKAS), AD Tourism Katra Mohd. Arif Lone (JKAS), marked a milestone in promoting Jammu’s tourist offerings.
Secretary Tourism, Sh. Abid Rasheed, highlighted the Tourism Trade Act amendments for enhanced ease of doing business, extending renewal periods to five years. With an influx of over 1.97 crore tourists until November 2023, he stressed the need to diversify tourist destinations beyond Katra, emphasizing homestays, adventure tourism, and the Prasad scheme for Katra’s Model Town status.
Director Tourism underscored the collaborative role of stakeholders, encouraging coordination with the film industry for tourism promotion. DC Reasi discussed transformative changes, highlighting the Chenab Railway Bridge and promoting rafting activities.
Ms. Sunaina Sharma Mehta emphasized diversifying tourism experiences, proposing water rafting stretches across regions like Prem Nagar to Suspension Bridge in Doda, Shiv Mandir to Kundal in Kishtwar, Baradari Bridge to Dera Baba Banda in Reasi, Balfiaz town to Poonch in Poonch, and Tawi from Rajouri to Hidayat Pura in Rajouri.
Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association’s President, Sh. Vishwajeet Patil, expressed gratitude for the enlightening FAM trip, offering insights and constructive suggestions. Sh. Rakesh Wazir, President of Hotel and Restaurant Association Katra, commended the Tourism Department’s impactful measures and expressed appreciation for the enriching interaction.
Prominent figures present included Sh. Sham Lal Qesar, Senior Vice President of Hotel and Restaurant Association Katra; Sh. Virender Qesar, Senior Vice President; Shiv Kumar Sharma, Senior Vice President; Kaushal Magotra, President of Patnitop Hotel Association; Arun Sharma, President of SMVD Press Club; Sh. Udhay Kadam, Vice President; and Sh. Rajan Parekh, General Secretary. Sh. Shabir Zargar, President Bhaderwah Tour and Travel Association, and Sh. Ali Jaffrey, Manager Skyview by Empyrean, Patnitop, added significance to the occasion.
The event signifies a collaborative effort to boost tourism and explore the diverse offerings of Jammu’s picturesque landscapes.
