BILAL HUSSAIN
Srinagar: The J&K Tourism Alliance, (JKTA), a conglomerate of various tourism bodies, is holding its 6th Tourism Seminar themed as "Tourism to J&K – challenges and way out" in Jammu on Tuesday.
The seminar which will be inaugurated by Nawang Rigzin Jora, minister for Tourism and Culture, has a twelve point programme/agenda to promote tourism in the state.
Giving details a spokesman of the JKTA told Greater Kashmir that given good hopes about tourism this year in Kashmir, the JKTA would focus on certain critical sectors that need to be addressed. He said the tourism trade fraternity would emphasize among others on abrogation of Disturbed Area and Armed Forces Special Power Act to pave way for removal of travel advisories by the European Countries, US, Britain, Australia & others.
The JKTA would also emphasis the need for amending the Tourist Trade Act to make it transparent and industry oriented. "All associations need be consulted in its reformation," he said.
Other demands to be raised at the seminar would be: Environment and the fragile ecology in the state, specially Vaishnodevi, Amarnath, Vaishnodevi, Charar –E– Sharief, Hemis & Alchi in Ladakh & other tourist areas to be declared as "Reserved Areas" . Protection of wild life a must. Exemption of all Taxes, viz. Service Tax, VAT etc to be exempted till Tourism restores to its pristine Glory. Complete Tax Holiday to be announced as was recently announced for Delhi. Since Tourism is already declared as Industry, all industrial benefits & safeguards to be provided like reduction in Electric Tariffs, Transport Subsidy, Stamp Duty Exemption on Registration is given. Marketing Management Subsidy to be given to all Tour Operators on their expenses on Traveling to various Indian Cities & expenses involved on Brochure / CD & Other Publication cost.
Besides the Taxis of Taxi Unions at Jammu Railway Station / Jammu Airport, Taxis of Other Unions / Hoteliers or Tour Operators be allowed to receive their guests without any hindrance or pressure as it causes immense inconvenience to intending visitors. Traffic Department to avoid unnecessary checking of Tourist Vehicles & Security Forces to avoid frisking of Tourists at many entry points to Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, particularly at Batote, Banihal, Sonamarg & Minamarg etc.
Government to set up Tourism Advisory Committees at all tourist & pilgrim destination. Tourism development authorities to be empowered to develop green field areas in consultation with experts in the field of tourism. All such members involved in the planning & development of such destinations should have tourism back ground.
Destinations such as Gurez, Dudhpathri, Bangus valley in Kashmir region, Mantalai & Shivkhori in Jammu regions and Pangong, Nubra, Tsomo-Riri & sham side in Ladakh region to be purely promoted on eco tourism basis, to be provided with better roads connectivity, communication system, adventure facilities & equipment, filtered drinking water supply to hotels & resorts, advanced sewerage treatment plants & al resorts to be developed keeping in mind the fragile environment of such places. All projects to be allowed as per approved master plan.
Local entrepreneurs to be supported with financial subsidies & encourage developing its field of business at par with international hotel / resort chains & MNC's. Government to discourage outsiders to build up tourism projects in J&K as locals are skilled & capable to rise to occasion. Use of latest information technology & to keep pace with developed states; here I need to sincerely thank our Hon'ble Tourism Minister who has already supported our concern.
Local bodies, towns are committees, Jammu & Srinagar municipal corporations to be empowered financially & technically for upliftment of Tourist Areas & Beautification of Important Landmarks.
Tourists transport both from SRTC & Private Entrepreneurs to be upgraded with latest hi-tech coaches. Institute of Management & Public Enterprises to be involved more in creating tourism awareness by holding training to various categories of people, such as tourist taxi drivers, hotel & travel agency staff.
Traffic management in most of the tourist area to be improved & all constituents of J&K Tourism Alliance will support the Dept.
Restrict construction of hotels for sustenance of a resort place, however, eco friendly boutique retreats to be encouraged where ever it is necessary, such as Sonamarg, Gurez etc & other such places in Jammu & Ladakh where ever it s necessary. Public awareness to be publicized & made to understand that tourists are important to J&K particularly government agencies to facilitate tourist related projects on priority.
At the end promotion, publicity & marketing to be done aggressively on large scale by way of participation in all national & International conferences – conventions – exhibitions - marts, viz ITMS, TTF'S, SATTE, TAAI – ADTOI – IATO In India & WTM – London, BIT – Milan, ITB – Berlin, MATTA – Malaysia, ITB Asia – Singapore, PATA & ASTA etc in Europe etc to show a strong presence & brand J&K with potentiality of Kashmir & Ladakh as Top Products and to be our USP's, holding of tourism seminars, road shows, publication of festival calendars, high end golf tournaments, ski, rafting & other aquatic championships. Local tour operators from all three regions to be involved in such activities. Towering personality to be appointed as Brand Ambassador of J&K. MICE Segment to be created at the earliest.
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