One of the most popular states for rich tourism products – Jammu & Kashmir is coming up with a strategy to be more visible among the tour operators of the country. Taking a step forward in this direction the state is all set to host the upcoming annual convention of TAAI in Srinagar. The state will showcase its tourism products to the travel agents through pre and post Fam trips.
Also, the department is planning to share all the good stories on digital and social media to attract travellers and convenience them on the security aspect. Apart from participating in national and international travel marts, the department of tourism has conducted a host of roadshows in various cities of India and abroad.
Elaborating on the importance of TAAI Convention Sarmad Hafeez, IAS, Secretary Tourism, Government of Jammu & Kashmir said: “Hosting a large number of delegates coming to attend the Convention is a great opportunity to showcase our tourism products. I must say this is one of the best times to come to the state of Jammu & Kashmir as world’s largest Tulip Garden will be opened on April 1st.”
Apart from the well renowned segments of tourism, J & K offers amazing golf courses across the state. The Royal Spring golf course has been voted as one of the best golf courses in Asia, while it is definitely India’s best. Pahalgam Golf Course, Srinagar Golf Club – which is the second oldest golf course outside the British Isle, offer amazing weather to play golf while in the state. “We are trying to take these people to such places and promote this segment of tourism. Hence we have proposed the association (TAAI) to organisea golf tournament during the convention,” says Secretary Tourism.
Jammu & Kashmir is a paradise for adventure lover; rafting, mountaineering, trekking and so many activities are taking place in various parts of the state. “Other than mountain biking, we have set-up bike hire shops, in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Leh and Sonmarg where people can have the bicycles to go on mountain biking. We also have a trekking equipment hire shop which is being run by the tourism department in Srinagar. Tourist can get state of the art trekking and mountaineering equipments here,” he informed.
Elaborating on the recent developments in various segments he said, “We have set up many camping sites to strengthen the adventure tourism segment. Pahalgam Club – a new Convention centre has been inaugurated at Pahalgam with the support of Jammu & Kashmir Development Corporation. It has a capacity of 380 people.” The department of tourism facilitates nature camps at Yousmarg and Sonmarg where the students love to go.
The state is targeting a major chunk of travellers from Southeast parts of the country. While elaborating on the number of foreign travellers coming to the state the he informed that “We are receiving a large number of foreign travellers from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. However, during winters we have more people coming from European countries followed by Australia, New Zealand and Canada who love skiing.”
