Minister for Tourism, Tassaduq Hussain Mufti today chaired an interactive meeting with the Department of Tourism Studies students of Central University of Kashmir (CUK).Vice-Chancellor (CUK) Prof. Me'raj Ud Din Mir was also present at the meeting.During the interaction, the Minister stressed upon the students regarding the need for understanding heritage and culture, besides focusing on marketing skills and event management to develop the tourism sector.Besides, Department of Tourism Studies, students and faculty members of Information Technology (IT) and School of Media Studies Department of Convergent Journalism also interacted with the Minister.Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor informed the Minister that the students of these departments are actively participating in activities and research programmes related to the tourism development and promotion.An elaborative PowerPoint Presentation was presented by Department of Tourism Studies CUK highlighting the activities and works being done by the departments.
Besides, the IT and Journalism Departments of the varsity also briefed the Minister about various innovative projects being done by the students.On the occasion, student documentary film ‘The Lake Town’ was also screened which depicted the life of Dal dwellers and its tourism potential.During the interactive session, the Minister sought suggestion from students and faculty members regarding the development of tourism industry in the State.The students and faculty members gave various suggestions and raised various issues related to the tourism sector; the Minister gave a patient hearing to them and said the suggestions will be positively looked into.Speaking on the occasion, the Director Tourism Mehmood A Shah appreciated the various initiatives being taken by the CUK towards the tourism development including shikara ride reservation application developed by the University’s IT students.The Director said that he is hopeful that students will continue working for the development and promotion of tourism industry with enthusiasm and professionalism.