Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 3: A stakeholder consultation meeting was held at Patnitop to discuss the development and positioning of Patnitop under the Global Destination Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The meeting was chaired by MLA Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia, and attended by the Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority (PDA), Virender Kumar Manyal, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Chenani, Ex, Block Development Council (BDC), Chenani, President & representatives from the Hotel and Restaurant Association Patnitop, Photographers, Shopkeepers, Adventure Sports Activists of Patnitop and officers/ officials from various line departments.
Rajat Gupta and Dheeraj Manhas from the EY team made a detailed presentation on the objectives, vision, and key components of the Global Destination Scheme. The presentation focused on the Ministry of Tourism’s vision for developing globally competitive destinations through sustainable tourism practices, integrated infrastructure planning, destination branding, and stakeholder-driven development.
The Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority, while addressing the stakeholders, highlighted the strategic importance of Patnitop as one of Jammu & Kashmir’s premier tourist destinations and emphasized the need for a coordinated and long-term development framework. He underscored the importance of strengthening tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor facilities, improving destination accessibility, and ensuring sustainable management of tourism assets. He also stressed the need for active participation of all stakeholders in shaping a comprehensive roadmap for positioning Patnitop as a globally recognized destination.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia emphasized that the Global Destination Scheme offers a unique opportunity to unlock Patnitop’s tourism potential and establish it as a world-class destination. He called for collective efforts and close coordination among all stakeholders to achieve the envisioned outcomes.
Representatives from the hotel and hospitality sector actively participated in the discussions and shared valuable suggestions regarding accommodation infrastructure, destination promotion, tourism product development, and enhancement of visitor experiences. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Department, and other concerned departments also presented their views and inputs concerning infrastructure development, connectivity, water supply, and public amenities.
The consultation concluded with a constructive exchange of ideas and recommendations. The suggestions received from various stakeholders will be incorporated into the destination development strategy being prepared under the Global Destination Scheme for Patnitop.
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