| J&K Tourism bags National Tourism Award, second time in a row | | | Agencies
New Delhi, Feb 18: For the second year in row, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has valued and appreciated the working of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department by conferred it with the National Tourism Award for the year 2012-13 in "Best State - Comprehensive Development of Tourism" category.
The said award was presented by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at a function in New Delhi in a well attended ceremony. "This is another feather in the cap of state and this has been possible as the department completed CFA Schemes within the stipulated time and had put in place mechanism to monitor the progress of projects, official spokesperson said.
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. Besides this different 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 countries to showcase the scenic beauty of Kashmir - the paradise on earth to the aspiring visitors.
At the same time 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. Apart from various initiatives 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 while 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.
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.
J&K has earned repute for developing niche tourism activities in Golf, Aero Sports, Water Sports and skiing/snowboarding and also could boast of hosting 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. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir and MoS, Tourism Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo have provided visionary leadership to the officers of the department who in turn have worked tirelessly for development and promotion of Tourism. The effort from Zaffar Ahmad, Secretary Tourism and Culture, Talat Parvez, Director Tourism, Kashmir and Soujanya Sharma, Director Tourism, Jammu, other officers of the Department also deserve credit for the accolades that have been bestowed on this Department. |
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