Srinagar, Apr 12: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) initiated the cluster intervention program in the Tourism Cluster of Jammu & Srinagar (J&K) in 2021 with KPMG and Foundation for MSME Clusters, as the implementing partners in Jammu and Kashmir and launched many programs for the promotion of various activities here.
The Chairman & Managing Director of SIDBI, S Ramann said, “We have been working very closely with the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department in the union territory and other stakeholders to ensure wider coverage and amplification of impact. The program has been focusing on promoting entrepreneurship, conservation and eco-tourism awareness, adventure and MICE tourism promotion, skill and capacity building of personnel engaged in the sector.”
He further said that the interventions aim to create replicable and scalable models in the cluster while strengthening the overall cluster ecosystem. We propose to organize a series of events in partnership with the Department to share the key interventions and the learnings with all the stakeholders and promote cross learnings.
On the first day, the team of SIDBI met Ski Patrol Guides in Gulmarg who have underwent soft skills training. Later in the afternoon, homestay at Yousmarg was inaugurated by CMD, SIDBI. Yusmarg is recognized as one of the 75 offbeat destinations by the government. Homestay entrepreneurs have been trained and facilitated under the program by SIDBI, for which the Certificate award ceremony was held and felicitated by CMD, SIDBI
A formal launch of training Programme of Tour Guides to promote downtown area of Srinagar in association with Indian army- the programme will aim at training to provide sustainable livelihoods to the local youth Yousmarg & Srinagar.
On Day 3, a formal event was held at SKICC, which was graced with the presence of senior officials from Dept.of Tourism and several important tourism stakeholders. The event was kicked off by inauguration of Coffee table Book, under the programme to promote MICE tourism amongst corporates and other potential tourist categories. A formal launch of training Program of Tour Guides to promote downtown area of Srinagar was also held. Felicitation of candidates trained under the capacity building training programme for Hotel staff in Srinagar also took place. The program was wrapped up by an meaningful and interaction session with key tourism stakeholders.
Furthermore, unveiling of Stone Plaque to spread the message of conservation and preservation of heritage & history of the Dal Lake at Lalit Ghat, Srinagar, was also done by CMD, SIDBI. The Inauguration of Solar Units by CMD, SIDBI at Shikara Owners Association of Kashmir (SOAK) office at the Dal Lake was also organised. S Ramann, CMD SIDBI emphasized, the solar units are a pilot intervention to demonstrate the use of renewable energy.
Stay Pattern Hospitality Services, Kashmir was the event partner for the event of SIDBI. They are also further associated with SIDBI for holding training programs across the valley. Under SIDBI Cluster Intervention Program, Stay Pattern Hospitality Services will soon kickstart the tour guides training program.
