SRINAGAR: Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo today attended the 36th convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat today.
In his presentation, Dr. Itoo gave details about the efforts being made by the J&K Government in reviving tourism activities in the Union Territory post pandemic. He gave a detailed overview of the recent initiatives taken by the Tourism Department activating stakeholders and markets across the equally.
The Director Tourism Kashmir also briefed the delegates about the series of festivals and events, particularly the icons festivals, held during the last year or so by the Department across Jammu & Kashmir. The Department, he added, undertook a massive capacity building programme of stakeholders to prepare them for the post Covid business scenario coupled with a rigorous vaccination drive among stakeholders. This, he added, has been showing encouraging results with increasing bookings and enquiries.
Inviting the organizers of IATO to hold their next session in J&K, Dr. Itoo informed them that Government has identified 75 lesser known tourist destinations across the UT for promotion among the tourists. Every destination, he said, is with a specific tourism potential and marketability. He hoped the organizers would choose J& K for their next session.
Earlier in the day, the Director, Tourism, Kashmir participated in a run for responsible tourism held to raise awareness about conducting tourism business post COVID in a responsible manner with all health precautions. He also had a series of meetings with heads of travel trade organizations during his stay.
The Tourism department has also put up a display stall at the counter with all products and services. Dr. Itoo also visited the stall and interacted with the visitors.
The convention was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupendrabhai Patel yesterday. Jammu & Kashmir is co-partnering the event along with states like Karela, Gujarat, Rajasthan and MP.
A delegation of J&K Chapter of IATO comprising Mr. Nasir Shah, Mr. Akram Siya, Mr. Zahoor Qari and Mr. Showkat Pakhtoon are also participating in the convention.