TAAK holds 17th AGM at Gulmarg; elects Farooq Kuthoo as President

Ziraat Times News Desk

Gulmarg: The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) on Thursday elected Farooq Kuthoo as its new President for the 2025–27 term at its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the newly inaugurated Gulmarg Convention Centre.

The elections also saw Habibulah Pandow re-elected as Vice President, while Sajad Kralyari was chosen as Secretary General. Ajaz Hussain was elected Secretary Finance, Nadeem Bukhari as Joint Secretary, Mubarik Sofi as Chief Organiser, and Irshad Parray as Publicity Secretary.

The AGM was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as the chief guest, with Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah as guests of honour. Tourism stakeholders from across Kashmir, Katra, Kargil, and Chenab Valley, along with senior government officials, also participated.

In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commended TAAK’s role in tourism promotion and assured government support to stakeholders. Referring to the impact of the recent Pahalgam attack, he said, “It is for the Government and stakeholders to work together to bring back the pristine glory of Kashmir’s tourism.” He also noted that TAAK’s AGM would be remembered as the first programme hosted at the Gulmarg Convention Centre.

Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani praised TAAK as “one of the most prestigious organisations in Kashmir” and pledged full support to the new body. MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah lauded TAAK’s promotional campaigns and the professional standing of its members.

Outgoing President Rauf Tramboo, in his welcome address, highlighted the association’s contributions to promoting J&K’s tourism potential at national and international platforms, including travel marts, fairs, and road shows.

In his vote of thanks, President-elect Farooq Kuthoo acknowledged the industry’s struggles following the Pahalgam incident and a negative media campaign. “Our industry was hit beyond repair in April this year, and we are yet to recuperate. But we have always bounced back, and we will do so again,” he said, urging the Tourism Department to intensify promotional efforts both offline and online.

Kuthoo, who holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Business Administration, has worked with multinational firms in tourism and aviation at domestic and international levels.

The AGM also featured the presentation of the Manzoor Sidiq Memorial Award 2025 to Dr. Mushtaq Chaya for his contributions to the tourism industry, while veteran journalist Yusuf Jameel was honoured for his service to journalism and tourism promotion. The awards were selected by TAAK’s special committee.

The session was jointly moderated by past presidents Peerzada Faiyaz and Ashfaq Sidiq Dug. Secretary General Sajad Kralyari also presented the Annual Administration Report, which was well received by members.