The J&K tourism department received overwhelming response from the visitors and exhibitors in the 8th edition of the 3-day Great Indian Travel Bazaar- 2016 (GITB) in Jaipur which started from April 17.Director Tourism Kashmir, Mahmood A Shah interacted with the visitors of the J&K stall and informed them about the tourism potential of the state.In the inaugural function on Sunday evening at the Lalit Hotel, the keynote address was given by Union Tourism Secretary, Vinod Zutshi, while the theme address was delivered by the immediate past President of FICCI and chairperson of FICCI Tourism Committee, Dr Jyotsna Suri.Vinod Zutshi and Dr Jyotsna Suri also inaugurated the J&K stall and received first-hand account of the varied tourism products available in the J&K State.Mahmood Shah briefed them about the J&K government’s initiative of upgrading tourism infrastructure for the smooth and comfortable stay of the visitors.
A press conference was also organized by the J&K tourism where Director Tourism Kashmir informed the media, travel agents and visitors that situation in Kashmir was normal and tourists are coming in good numbers.Mahmood Shah said various MICE events were held recently in Kashmir beside many other functions are also in the pipeline.Shah also dispelled the notion that situation in Kashmir had turned bad recently.“Everything is normal and tourists are coming in large numbers. They are also participating in the various functions. Recently, we also hosted 278 delegates of the Bedrock Company which organized tour and dealers meet in Srinagar,” Shah said.He said J&K has no match in its scenic beauty and each region in the State has its unique beauty and features.“J&K is the only State having every kind of tourism product. Ladakh and Kashmir is the best place in India for adventure activities. Kashmir is also good for pleasure tourism, religious tourism. Jammu is a place of temples where lakhs of pilgrims visit every year,”.Vinod Zutshi spoke highly of J&K’s tourism potential and urged tourists to visit J&K which has every type of tourism product available for travelers.
Dr Jyotsna Suri urged visitors at the stall to visit Kashmir for holidaying.From day one of the travel fair, J&K stall is witnessing brisk activity. The department is also distributing publicity material of all the regions and the tourism products of the State.As many as 275 leading inbound foreign tour operators (FTOs) from 51 countries are participating as foreign buyers. Similarly, 280 Indian sellers including tour operators, hotels, resorts, spa & wellness, international airline and state tourism boards - will be partaking in the bazaar.These states include Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Jammu & Kashmir are showcasing their tourism potential.GITB is organized by department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). It is supported by leading national and regional associations like Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).