Stating that the tourism was the mainstay of the Kashmir’s economy, Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora Thursday said that his department will turn Jammu and Kashmir as one of the premier destinations of the country. He said National Geograpic has agreed to promote State’s tourism.
“Give me one more peaceful year and you will see the sea change on the ground. Once peace is given a chance, there will be no looking back in the tourism sector,” Jora said while speaking at the annual certificate distribution ceremony of Institute of Hotel Management Srinagar.
Jora said Kashmir valley witnessed a surge in the tourist rush due to peaceful year 2011.
“We did our best to revive this industry. We want to see a record number of tourists to visit Kashmir valley. This industry received major setback during militancy. This year, we are expecting record number of tourist arrivals to Valley,” he said
Lauding the efforts of Institute of Hotel Management for its commendable job, Jora said the institute is emerging as the best institute in the country.
“For the fourth consecutive, this institute bagged national level awards,” he said.
Jora said lack of funds for tourism is hampering the developmental works in tourism sector.
“We receive only Rs 6 crore as publicity budget while as the state government has a budget of Rs 3000 crores for electricity. The more appalling thing is that Chattisgarh receives Rs 12 crore as publicity budget but Jammu and Kashmir being one of the scintillating tourist destinations gets only 6 crore as publicity budget,” he said.
“On our request, government of India will send a National Geograpic TV Channel team here which will make promotional ads on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Former Director Tourism Farooq Shah said Institute of Hotel Management is doing an excellent work in building the capacity of the students.
“The main aim of this institute is to provide professional training so that they can provide better services in tourism industry,” he said
He said the institute has trained thousands of students so far and will continue to do so in the future “Last year over 2000 students were trained in this institute. If the institute goes at this pace then there is no need for ordering manpower from outside the state and we can supply the manpower to other states as well,” he said.
Commissioner Secretary Tourism Government of J&K Atul Dullo said the courses taught here at the institute provide youth many employment opportunities.
“The institute provides free training to the youth. Thousands of students are trained here every year. It was necessary to provide this kind of training to the youth as the numbers of tourists are growing every year,” he said.
During today’s event over 700 certificates were distributed among the students who had completed their six months or one year courses in different sectors.
Among others who were present on the occasion include Principal Institute of Hotel Management Srinagar Nasheed Srivastav, Director Tourism Talat Parviz, and President Travel Agents association of Kashmir Rouf Tramboo.
Courtesy : www.risingkashmir.com
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