IATO J&K Delegation Visits SAGG Eco Village, Backs Regenerative Tourism in Kashmir

Ziraat Times News Desk 

Ganderbal, June 28: A delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), led by its Chairman Nasir Shah, visited SAGG Eco Village in Ganderbal to explore its regenerative tourism model and discuss ways to strengthen sustainable tourism initiatives in the region.

The visit was organised at the invitation of Fayaz Ahmad Dar, founder of SAGG Eco Village. The delegation included founding members of the IATO J&K Chapter and leading travel professionals from across the Union Territory.

During the visit, the delegation toured the eco village and experienced its offerings, including regenerative farm stays, traditional Kashmiri architecture, farm-based recreational activities, local cuisine, cultural experiences and nature-based hospitality.

An interactive session was later held during which members of the delegation shared suggestions and professional inputs on improving visitor experiences, strengthening tourism infrastructure and expanding the reach of SAGG Eco Village as a regenerative tourism destination in Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegates appreciated the initiative, describing it as a pioneering example of regenerative living in Kashmir that demonstrates how tourism can create meaningful visitor experiences while supporting local communities, preserving culture and protecting the natural environment.

The IATO J&K Chapter also appreciated the hospitality extended by the SAGG Eco Village team and expressed confidence that such projects have the potential to diversify Kashmir’s tourism offerings and strengthen the region’s position as a destination for authentic, responsible and experience-based travel.

Fayaz Ahmad Dar thanked the IATO J&K Chapter for visiting the initiative and acknowledged the support and leadership of IATO J&K Chairman Nasir Shah, along with Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon and other members of the delegation.

“It is an honour to host some of the most experienced professionals from the travel industry. Their encouragement, appreciation and practical suggestions are invaluable as we continue building SAGG Eco Village into a model of regenerative tourism that offers travellers the Kashmir most visitors never discover through regenerative farm stays and immersive day experiences while creating lasting value for local communities and nature,” Dar said.

The visit concluded with both the tourism industry representatives and the SAGG Eco Village team expressing a shared commitment to fostering greater collaboration for the promotion of sustainable and regenerative tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.