SRINAGAR: The 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) was held on Saturday emphasizing the theme of sustainable tourism and the crucial connection between environmental conservation and the growth of Kashmir’s tourism sector.
The event was graced by Satish Sharma, Minister for Transport, FCS&CA, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, and Science & Technology, as the Chief Guest. The AGM also welcomed MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq and MLA Hazratbal Salman Sagar as Guests of Honour, Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya (Managing Director of Chaya Group) along with a diverse group of dignitaries, including environmentalists, senior bureaucrats, hoteliers, travel professionals, civil society members, media representatives, and academicians.
Prominent other attendees included Dr. G.N. Qasba (former Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation), G N Var (Chairman, Private Schools Association); Waseem Raja (Additional Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department); M Saleem Beg (former Director General, Tourism, J&K), Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmed, Akib Chaya (president, Gulmarg Hotels Association), Farooq Gillani, Rauf Tramboo, Umar Nazir Tibet Baqal, Zahoor Ahmed Qari, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Arif Shafi Wani, Farooq Kuthoo, Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Abdul Rashid and others.
The AGM also witnessed elections for the association’s leadership, with Manzoor Wangnoo being re-elected as the Chairman of NTTA. In his acceptance speech, Wangnoo reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting eco-tourism and ensuring the welfare of its members.
Minister Satish Sharma congratulated the newly elected office bearers and commended NTTA’s efforts in promoting Kashmir as a sustainable and environmentally responsible destination. He said, “Tourism and the environment are interdependent. Sustainable tourism requires collective efforts to conserve our natural resources, especially lakes, wetlands, waterways, and springs. I assure my full support to NTTA in its initiatives to safeguard the environment and promote tourism.”
The Minister emphasized that Kashmir’s tourism potential can only be realized when all stakeholders work together to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem.
A key highlight of the AGM was a seminar on environmental sustainability in tourism, attended by environmentalists such as Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Farooq Ahmad Bhat and others. Discussions centered on adopting eco-friendly practices in tourism, preserving water bodies, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources.
NTTA Chairman Manzoor Wangnoo also outlined the association’s achievements, such as its consistent advocacy for eco-tourism and initiatives aimed at preserving Kashmir’s iconic water bodies. He stated, “It is our collective responsibility to save our environment for future generations. Sustainable tourism is the way forward, and NTTA remains committed to this cause.”
The AGM served as a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to pledge their support toward creating a sustainable and thriving tourism industry in Kashmir.
