Srinagar, Dec 11: In a momentous celebration of International Mountain Day 2023, the Directorate of Tourism in Kashmir orchestrated a spectacular event at the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar.
The event, graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Syed Abid Rashid, Secretary to the Government Department of Tourism and Culture, unfolded as a beacon of hope for sustainable tourism practices.
The chief guest, Dr. Rashid, impressed on the importance of preserving mountain ecosystems, underscoring the commitment to responsible tourism. The gathering included luminaries such as the Director of Tourism Kashmir, senior officials from the Department of Tourism, representatives from various travel trade organizations, and passionate adventurers from diverse clubs and associations.
Dr. Abid said that tourism in Kashmir has flourished tremendously with the valley recording a steep rise in the number of visiting tourists from the whole country. He said that the number of tourists who have already visited JK this year in different segments like adventure, leisure, pilgrim has already crossed 20 million and this counting will grow further in this month owing to the winter tourism peak. He congratulated the department for its efforts in increasing the footfall of tourists.
Secretary said that in order to cater to the huge influx of tourists we need to diversify our tourism products and have to explore and develop virgin destinations and introduce new activities apart from the traditional ones so that the experiences of tourists are enhanced and they return back with good memories.
Assuring the stakeholders of all support, Dr Abid said that we will redouble our efforts to make sure that JK Tourism attains newer heights while calling for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
To maintain the scenic beauty and ecology of the areas, the Secretary said that trekkers need to show a sense of responsibility and not leave any wastage while on trekking or travel on hill areas. He highlighted that we are a very sensitive biodiversity hotspot and we should not do anything which harms or destroys the brand of Kashmir Tourism.
He said that there is a need to sensitize the trekkers whether locals or foreign to respect our ecology and biodiversity so that our mountains remain free from any litter and the scenic beauty is maintained.
The event witnessed a series of impactful presentations aligning with this year’s theme, “Restoring Mountain Ecosystems.” Speakers passionately advocated for sustainable tourism practices, echoing the collective responsibility to protect and conserve these breath-taking landscapes.
In an effort towards fostering local engagement, two pioneering projects were inaugurated in collaboration with S IDBI. The launch of homestay entrepreneurship and paragliding training initiatives promises not only economic growth but also a deepened connection between tourists and the local communities.
Adding to the excitement, maps unveiling 30 new offbeat trekking routes opened up thrilling possibilities for adventure enthusiasts.
This expansion aims to diversify the tourism experience, encouraging exploration beyond traditional paths.
Tourism officials stated this event also served as a platform to recognize outstanding achievements in adventure tourism.
Associations and individuals with exemplary contributions to the field were felicitated, showcasing the spirit of innovation and dedication within the adventure tourism community.
The event concluded on a high note, it left an indelible mark, inspiring a collective commitment to preserving the pristine beauty of mountainous regions through sustainable tourism practices.
The initiatives launched promise not only to enhance the tourist experience but also to contribute positively to the economic and cultural fabric of the region, tourism officials maintained.
