Srinagar, September 20 (Scoop News) A seminar on “Tour Operators of the Valley and their Future” organized by Association of Kashmir Tour Operators (AKTO) was held at Manasbal today.
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzan Jora was the Chief Guest at the function. The Minister also flagged off 5-day water sports festival as a part of adventure tourism aon the occasion. District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Showkat Ahmad Mir, Director Tourism, Talat Parvaiz, Chief Executive Officer Manasbal Development Authority, Nazir Ahmad, SSP Ganderbal, Shahid Mehraj, President AKTO, Nazir Ahmad Mir and members of various tour operators of the valley were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Jora said tour operators should provide better facilities to the tourists at all levels and improve their services and deliver their best so that every tourist will become ambassador of the Kashmir which will pave the way to boost the tourism and encourage more tourists to visit the State..
Jora said that government will not tolerate any cheating and fraudulent activity with tourists. He said any one found involved in cheating and unethical activity with tourists shall be dealt under law.
|ora said that people involved in tour and travel services have bright future and there is nothing to worry about but they have to deliver their best with dedication, sincerity and honesty while dealing with tourists. He said tour operators play pivotal role in the promotion of tourism industry in the State.
Minister said that government has taken various initiatives for the promotion of tourism by exploiting new tourist destinations and by creating infrastructure for the convenience of the tourists at various tourist places.
Minister said that government has initiated steps for converting picnic spots into tourist resorts so that tourists can take pleasure of natural beauty and stay in valley for maximum time which will be an edge to boost the economy of the State.
Minister assured tour operators that tourism department will take steps for hassle free entry and exit of tour operators at Srinagar airport.
On the occasion, CEO Mansbal development Authority presented a PowerPoint presentation through which achievements of Manasbal Development Authority were highlighted.
At the end of seminar besides, award of Excellence was given to Director Tourism, Talat Parvaiz, life time achievement awards were given to Abid-ulla Gonna and Haji Khazir Mohammad Dar and waters ports awards were given to the participants who performed during the inaugural day of five day long water sports activities at Manasbal .
On the occasion Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, and Director Tourism also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the achievements recorded by the government in tourism sector.