J&K Tourism Department today organized an evening of interaction with various Maharashtra tourism associations and media. The evening titled as Shaam-e-Kargil focused on promoting unexplored destinations in J&K particularly, Kargil.Chairman J&K Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali inaugurated the evening show in presence of CEC, LAHDC Kargil Haji Kachu Ahmed Ali Khan, Vice Chairman, JKTDC Rafi Ahmad Mir, Secretary Tourism & Floriculture Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah, and MD Cable Car Shamim Wani. Besides, 200 tour operators from Maharashtra, and Gujarat, Travel Trade members from all three regions of J&K also attended the function.Speaking on the occasion, Haji Anayat Ali appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for her efforts to promote Kargil as an independent tourist destination. Mr. Ali said the present dispensation is utilizing funds for the infrastructure development of Kargil, besides upgrading tourist facilities there.
Vice Chairman JKTDC Rafi Ahmad Mir said the tourism department is also upgrading the huts for comfortable stay of the tourists in the state.CEC LAHDC Kargil Haji Kachu Mohammad Khan also threw light on the tourism potential of Kargil.Secretary Tourism and Floriculture Farooq A Shah termed Maharashtra travel fraternity as “Dost-e-Kashmir”, and said the people affiliated with Maharashtra tourism trade have always acted as great friends by promoting Jammu Kashmir as their priority destination.The Maharashtra Tour operator association along with the Managing Director of Heena Tours, Kesri Tours, Heena Travels GM Leisure Travel, Cox and Kings and Thomas Cook assured the J&K tourism that Jammu Kashmir is and will be always the priority destination in their itineraries.Earlier, the J&K tourism department participated in India’s biggest travel show OTM in Mumbai, where the J&K pavilions received overwhelming response from the visitors and participants. The travel show witnesses international participation from about 50 countries, besides tourism boards from all over the country.