Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 5: In a move to bolster tourism in the region, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed, Secretary Tourism, today engaged with Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association (MTOA) participants during their four-day Familiarization Tour across Jammu’s scenic places.
The extensive tour, covering Bhaderwah, Jai Valley, Guldanda, Patnitop, and Katra, concluded after being ceremoniously flagged off from the Directorate of Tourism Jammu on December 1.
The event, attended by officials like Director Tourism Vivekanand Rai, DC Reasi Vishesh Pal Mahajan, Joint Director Tourism Sunaina Sharma Mehta, CEO KDA Gopal Sharma, and AD Tourism Katra Mohammad Arif Lone, saw Secretary Tourism Abid Rasheed emphasizing the pivotal role of stakeholders in the flourishing tourism sector.
With a tourism influx exceeding 1.97 crore until November 2023, primarily from Katra, Rasheed stressed the need to entice pilgrims to explore other tourist destinations in the Jammu region.
Advocating for the democratization of the tourism sector and the promotion of adventure tourism, Secretary Tourism Rasheed addressed the Prasad scheme, envisioning Katra as a Model Town.
He applauded the Directorate of Tourism Jammu for their proactive initiatives, including identifying new adventure activities and areas.
Director Tourism Vivekanand Rai emphasized the indispensable role of tourism stakeholders, calling for a symbiotic relationship and a holistic approach. Rai encouraged collaboration with the film industry for tourism promotion and invited active participation in the New Year to boost regional tourism.
DC Reasi Vishesh Pal Mahajan highlighted transformative changes and showcased the engineering marvel of the Chenab Railway Bridge. He expressed gratitude for adventure activities introduced by the Department and urged collaboration with the Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association for further promotion.
Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director Tourism, emphasized the Department’s dedication to diversify tourism experiences, offering specific recommendations for water rafting stretches across various regions.
Expressing gratitude, Vishwajeet Patil, President of Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association, extended thanks to the Tourism Department for the enlightening FAM trip.
Prominent figures including Rakesh Wazir, President Hotel and Restaurant Association Katra, Sham Lal Qesar and Virender Qesar, Senior Vice Presidents, along with Shiv Kumar Sharma, were also in attendance.
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