Strikes snatch poor man’s opportunity to earn livelihood: Omar

TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ANVIL 
Chief Minister (CM) Mr. Omar Abdullah today said that the government would soon formulate a Tourism Advisory Committee to seek opinion from experts in the field of tourism industry. He said the government will work out a comprehensive policy for the growth and development of tourism in the State. 
The Chief Minister said that frequent strikes mar the current tourist season and deprive thousands of people from earning their livelihood. He said uncalled for shutdowns will wreck the economy of the poor people, who depend on tourism industry for their survival.
The Chief Minister said this while addressing representatives of over a dozen associations connected with tourist trade and industry, at SKICC here today. 
The associations included that of hoteliers, houseboat owners, tour operators, tourist taxi operators, shikara operators and travel agents.
The Chief Minister said peace was paramount for tourists to visit the State from other parts of the country and abroad. “It is our duty to create conducive atmosphere for promotion of tourism and remove doubts from the minds of people visiting the Valley”, he said, adding tourism should not suffer because of politics.
Chief Minister said that he would take up the issue of concessions and packages for the growth and sustenance of tourism industry with the State Finance and Tourism Ministers and, wherever required, with the Central government. “We will provide assistance to strengthen this economically important and employment generating industry”, he said, while asking the participants to play their role in creating a situation which is ideal for tourists visiting the Valley.
Outlining the importance of promoting tourism at national and overseas level to make tourism year-round activity, Mr. Abdullah said attention is required to further upgrade infrastructure and add-on facilities in this sector. He said hotels, houseboats, transport and catering facilities have to be improved to match international standards so that tourists visiting the State carry a good impression of the facilities with them.
The Chief Minister said government would also focus on developing adventure tourism in the State for which it has great potential. “J&K offers outstanding opportunities for water rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing and trekking”, he said, adding these areas require specific attention of the Tourism Department.
Mr. Abdullah said for sustained tourism promotional campaign, the government would also consider involvement of strong PR agencies and utilizing multimedia to market Kashmir within and outside the country. He said in order to attract tourists to spend evenings in Mughal Gardens and other places, he would ask the Union Tourism Ministry to restart the light-and-sound show and also start other recreations, in agreement with the culture, heritage and sentiments of the people. 
Secretary, Tourism, Ms. Tanveer Jehan said Tourism Department has installed 4,000 screens in 22 states of the country from June this year through which the scenic beauty of Kashmir is being showcased to attract more visitors to the valley..
Earlier, presidents of different associations related to tourism business, presented detailed account of packages, financial support, tax relief and other facilities required to strengthen the industry. They said the industry provides employment to over five lakh people directly and more than that number indirectly. They demanded a well-defined policy for the growth and development of tourism and an advisory body to suggest measures and monitor the sector for its integrated development.
Those who also spoke included Mr. G. M. Dug, Chairman, Tourism Alliance, Mr. Abdul Khalik Wangnoo, President, Trade Agency Society of Kashmir (TASK), Mr. Abdul Latif, President, Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation, Mr. Siraj Ahmad, President, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA), Mr. Rouf Tramboo, President, Travel Association, Mr. Mohammad Azeem Tuman, President, Houseboat Owners Association, Mr. Abdul Hamid Wangnoo, President, Domestic Tour Operators Association, Mr. G. R. Sia, President, Travel Agents Association of India, J&K Chapter, Haji Abdul Rashid, President, Tourist Taxi Operators Association and Mr. Vicky Shah.

Rs 8 cr project for conservation of Leh monasteries on anvil: Jora

LDA functioning reviewed
The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that government would take all necessary steps for conservation and preservation of the monasteries of Leh district. He said a project report of Rs. 8 crore has been submitted to the Union Government under Tourism Circuit Development Schemes for its approval. The project envisaged to develop Alchi, Rezong, Temisgam, Lamayuru Tsoltak Palace, Chemray Gompa and other monasteries of the district.
Mr. Jora was reviewing the physical and financial achievements registered in tourism sector by the Leh Development Authority (LDA) at a high level meeting, here today.
Secretary Tourism Mrs. Tanveer Jahan, Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmmad Shah, Additional Secretary Tourism, Director Finance Tourism, Joint Director Tourism, Chief Executive Officer, Leh Development Authority, besides other senior officers attended the meeting .
The Minister was informed that a project report of Rs. 15.60 crore has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism for the development of various tourist destinations in Leh district. Besides, about Rs. 4.58 crore have been sanctioned for development of 12 tourism related projects, out of which Rs. 3.67 crore stands released and Rs. 2.24 crore expanded upto May this year. 
Mr. Jora was apprised that various tourist facilities like installation of solar lights, landscaping, parking lots and view decks were created at various tourist destinations of the district.
The Minister directed the concerned officers for creating more view points, public conveniences, besides ensure maintenance of cleanliness and preservation of pollution free environment at tourist destination..
Mr. Jora also asked for starting the construction work of Food Craft Institute at Leh. He said the phase 1st of this institution would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.83 crore. He said main objective for setting up of this institution is to train local youth in tourism and trade related activities to create skilled manpower for the hospitality and hotel industry of the area.

Jora appeals Selja for liberal assistance for tourism promotion

The Minister for Tourism & Culture Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora called upon the Union Minister for Tourism to provide all out support to J&K state for boosting tourism, which is the mainstay of the State’s economy. 
In a message, the J&K Tourism Minister while congratulating Ms. Kumari Selja for her re-induction in the Union Council of Minister has hoped that the state would get special consideration and financial support in the completion of left over projects and programmes undertaken in the tourism sector, adding that the Centre has all along helped the state in the promotion of tourism and related infrastructure. 
 “Establishment of a large number of Tourism Development Authorities is one such step which has helped the state greatly in development of tourism sector,” Mr. Jora emphasised. 
Mr. Jora also invited the Union Minister to visit Kashmir and also perform the annual yatra of the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnathji in the middle of this month.