NTTA holds 5th AGM; Sarmad Hafeez says tourism revival holds promise

23 March 2021

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Srinagar, March 23: Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez today expressed his satisfaction about the revival of tourism in Kashmir and credited tourism sectors players for their dedicated efforts in getting the sector back on rails despite a grim pandemic-driven outlook.

Mr Hafeez was speaking at an event coinciding the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA), where Manzoor Wangnoo was yet again elected as the president of the Association.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarmad Hafeez said that he was deeply impressed by the work of the tourism fraternity in providing confidence to the visiting tourists in creating a favorable and positive image for other potential tourists to visit J&K as well. He also complimented Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) for the cleanliness and conservation drive of the Gilsar and Khushalsar lakes.

Ziraat Times founder, Arjimand Hussain Talib, while speaking on the occasion said that it was astounding to see such a quick turnaround in the tourism sector in Kashmir considering that the global outlook for tourism was not encouraging at all.

“Tourism fraternity’s energy is remarkable and inspiring in that despite too many recurrent odds, you people get up and get things up and running again and again. And tourism is not only about an economic activity contributing about 4% to J&K’s GSDP, it is about the immense economic and socio-economic trickle down effect that is significant”, Mr Arjimand said.

He also complimented Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) for its conservation drive for the Gilsar-Khushalsar lakes and termed the effort as an example for public-civil society collaboration and community action for conservation of critical water bodies.

Eminent Ghulam Muhammad Dug while speaking on the occasion talked about the intrinsic tourism potential of Kashmir and how the tourism business community had exhibited resilience despite immense odds and helped in economic uplift of Kashmir. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the tourism business community and expressed hope that the government would earnestly address those issues.

Others who spoke on the occasion include prominent hoteliers and tourism stalwarts – Faiz Bakshi (Convenor EPG), Yaseen Tuman (Proprietor Mascot Houseboats), Tariq Rashid Bedaba (Kashmir Hoteliers Club), Lareef Ahmed (President CCIK) and Rauf Tramboo (Pesident of Adventure Travel Association of Kashmir).

On the occasion, NTTA presented mementos to Secretary Tourism for his services towards tourism revival. Haji GM Dug, Past Chairman KCC&I, Late Haji Gh. Mohammad Wangnoo & Late Haji Mohammad Azim Tuman Ex Chairmans KHBOA and Late Gh. Mohammad Pahtoon Ex Vice Chairman KHBOA were given momentos for their enormous services towards the promotion and revival of tourism in J&K. Dr. A K Fazlani from Mumbai was also honored for his work in the field of education and service to humanity.

Manzoor Wangnoo on the occasion expressed gratitude to NTTA for reposing faith in him and for electing him Chairman for another term.

“It is a responsibility and will try my best to live up to the expectations. My congratulation to other newly elected office bearers. Hope they will work with more zeal and dedication for the betterment of tourism industry. My special gratitude to Jenab Sarmad Hafeez, IAS Secretary Tourism & Culture who joined as chief guest at the occasion for taking time out of his extremely busy schedule. Director Tourism Dr GN Itoo couldn’t participate due to his travelling”, he said.

He also expressed his special gratitude to the members of Travel Fraternity especially Haji GM Dug, Faiz Bakshi, Rauf Trumboo, Showkat Ahmad Pakhtoon, Tariq Gani and other respected personalities for gracing the event.