Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 22: The Department of Tourism in Kashmir convened a meeting today, bringing together wedding planners, corporate leaders, and representatives from the wellness sector.
The purpose of the gathering was to brainstorm ideas and strategies for creating an ecosystem in Kashmir that could attract destination weddings and corporate events to the region.
Abhijeet Patil of Raja Rani Travels, who provided insights into the plan, emphasized that the current time is favorable for ushering in a significant transformation in Kashmir’s tourism industry.
He noted that Kashmir possesses all the necessary elements, and the region is poised to embrace a diverse range of tourism experiences. Patil expressed confidence that by the next year, Kashmir will witness a surge in destination weddings.
“We have convened wedding planners, corporate leaders from various companies, and representatives from the wellness sector because all these aspects complement each other. Kashmir has everything it takes, but there is a need to build an ecosystem for destination weddings,” stated Abhijeet Patil.
He outlined the timeline for their ambitious plan, indicating that it would take approximately three months to establish the required ecosystem, along with essential marketing efforts.
Patil added, “With these efforts, we aim to ensure that 2024 witnesses a significant number of weddings taking place in Kashmir.”
Syed Abid Rasheed, Secretary of Tourism, J&K, who also participated in the event, highlighted the transformative impact of the G20 Summit on the tourism sector in J&K.
He pointed out that since the G20 Summit, the region has experienced a remarkable increase in inbound foreign tourist arrivals.
“We have also hosted events such as Miss World, attracting participants from around the world. Their positive experiences have significantly altered the perception of J&K as a globally acclaimed tourism destination,” emphasized Abid Rasheed Shah.
Referring to the event, Secretary Tourism assured that Jammu and Kashmir would actively encourage large-scale corporate events in the region. “The aim is to elevate the global reputation of the Union Territory’s tourism industry and enhance its standing on the global stage.”