Tag: tourism

Kupwara’s Keran shows up on tourism map as violence wanes along LoC

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Keran, May 09: With the authorities in Kashmir working for the promotion of offbeat tourism destinations, the ever-increasing tourist footfall to Keran along Line of Control is opening ample opportunities for people.
Keran located on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district is emerging as a new tourism destination.
The remote sector was a no go zone and used to witness intense gunfire and shelling leading to casualties and miseries for locals. The situation had even forced many of them to migrate to safer places given the scare of untimely ceasefire violations from across the border.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), locals appreciating the efforts of authorities and the Army said that the situation has gradually started to limp to normalcy. “People can undertake normal activities. Construction work has begun already. Students attend regular classes. Agricultural activities are also happening without any fear,” they said.
The situation in the sector has shown improvement after the February 2021 ceasefire pact between the armies of India and Pakistan. People are visibly happy with the improved atmosphere that used to remain under the constant shadow of guns.
Naseem Ahmad, a local, said that the situation has shown a significant improvement in the last two years. “People are able to engage in outdoor activities that weren’t a norm two years back.”
“The opening of the keran sector for the tourism boom has opened a huge number of opportunities for locals here. Locals have started to open their houses for home stay facilities. Small Dhaba owners have started to prepare rooms for night stay of tourists,” he said.
Naseem also said that not only men, even women are happy with the arrival of tourists.

Hesitant to talk, a few women KNO talked to said that they are happy to serve the tourists with the local delicacies. “We are enjoying the process as of now. Everyone we served here has been very supportive and encouraging. Even our men have been very cordial and supportive. We are very new to it but are adapting to everything required,” they said.
Asif Bhat, a local Dhaba owner said that the couple of shops there used to serve tea and very few other things to locals only. “But for the last two years, tourists have started to come here. Rooms are being prepared for night stays well. We have also hired chefs to offer different varieties to visitors,” he said.
Firdous, a resident of villgam said that he is happy to quit working in Srinagar and return to work in Keran. “I am getting a sound salary. Tourists are arriving in huge numbers,” he said.
Zaheer Ahmad Joo, a local, said that he has converted his piece of land into a tent space. “We offer tents for night stays. We also allow people to pitch their tents and charge them a very meagre amount. Even food is offered here and every visitor loves the experience,” he said—(KNO)
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#Kupwaras #Keran #shows #tourism #map #violence #wanes #LoC
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

May 9, 2023
JK Tourism Department To Establishment A Helpline Facility For Tourists

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SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department on Saturday said a dedicated helpline line cum grievance redressal facility at TRC Srinagar /Jammu will be set up for tourists visiting the UT.
Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Dr Abid Rasheed Shah chaired a meeting with the stakeholders of the tourism industry to discuss and evaluate the existing facilities, identify areas for improvement as well as address any issues affecting the sector.
Shah also announced a regular monthly stakeholder consultation with the office bearers of various trade bodies of the tourism sector to identify areas for improvement and devise strategies to overcome any challenges.
Dr Abid highlighted the need for continuously upgrading facilities and services at tourist locations to meet evolving traveler expectations and attract more tourists to Jammu & Kashmir.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining world-class facilities and services at tourist destinations to attract more domestic and international visitors to the region.
Shah also highlighted the role played by tourism in economic growth and employment generation and said that there is a need for constant evaluation and improvement in facilities at tourist destinations to stay competitive in the global tourism landscape.
Examining different issues and problems faced by the sector, the Secretary specifically directed strict enforcement of rates and tariffs for the tourism services at tourist destinations for which he directed the Enforcement wing of the Department to carry regular and routine checks to look into any kind of overcharging, touting or cheating by any service provider. He also directed the installation of display boards at prominent tourist destinations regarding rates and rules of different tourism services.
During the meeting, the Tourism Secretary also spoke about the Government’s commitment to develop and promote the tourism sector as a vital contributor to the local economy adding that the tourism sector is poised to achieve new heights and contribute significantly to the region’s economy in coming days. He also emphasized on the significance of collaboration and cooperation between the stakeholders and the Department to create a vibrant and inclusive tourism industry that benefits both the tourists and the local community.

Referring to the upcoming G20 event in Kashmir, Dr Abid said that the upcoming Tourism Working Group meeting under the aegis of G20 will get the local tourism industry a big boost and it would position J&K’s tourism industry appropriately on the global canvas.
The meeting brought together key players from the tourism industry, including representatives from hotels, tour operators, and other related organizations associated with the travel trade and hospitality sector besides senior officers of the Tourism Department.

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#Tourism #Department #Establishment #Helpline #Facility #Tourists
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

May 7, 2023
JK Tourism Department To Establishment Helpline Facility For Tourists

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SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department on Saturday said a dedicated helpline line cum grievance redressal facility at TRC Srinagar /Jammu will be set up for tourists visiting the UT.
Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Dr Abid Rasheed Shah chaired a meeting with the stakeholders of the tourism industry to discuss and evaluate the existing facilities, identify areas for improvement as well as address any issues affecting the sector.
Shah also announced a regular monthly stakeholder consultation with the office bearers of various trade bodies of the tourism sector to identify areas for improvement and devise strategies to overcome any challenges.
Dr Abid highlighted the need for continuously upgrading facilities and services at tourist locations to meet evolving traveler expectations and attract more tourists to Jammu & Kashmir.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining world-class facilities and services at tourist destinations to attract more domestic and international visitors to the region.
Shah also highlighted the role played by tourism in economic growth and employment generation and said that there is a need for constant evaluation and improvement in facilities at tourist destinations to stay competitive in the global tourism landscape.
Examining different issues and problems faced by the sector, the Secretary specifically directed strict enforcement of rates and tariffs for the tourism services at tourist destinations for which he directed the Enforcement wing of the Department to carry regular and routine checks to look into any kind of overcharging, touting or cheating by any service provider. He also directed the installation of display boards at prominent tourist destinations regarding rates and rules of different tourism services.
During the meeting, the Tourism Secretary also spoke about the Government’s commitment to develop and promote the tourism sector as a vital contributor to the local economy adding that the tourism sector is poised to achieve new heights and contribute significantly to the region’s economy in coming days. He also emphasized on the significance of collaboration and cooperation between the stakeholders and the Department to create a vibrant and inclusive tourism industry that benefits both the tourists and the local community.

Referring to the upcoming G20 event in Kashmir, Dr Abid said that the upcoming Tourism Working Group meeting under the aegis of G20 will get the local tourism industry a big boost and it would position J&K’s tourism industry appropriately on the global canvas.
The meeting brought together key players from the tourism industry, including representatives from hotels, tour operators, and other related organizations associated with the travel trade and hospitality sector besides senior officers of the Tourism Department.

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#Tourism #Department #Establishment #Helpline #Facility #Tourists
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

May 7, 2023
Secretary Tourism directs for establishment of dedicated tourist service helpline immediately, stakeholder meetings on first Sat

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Says upcoming G 20 event would position J&K tourism on a global platform
Srinagar, May 6 (GNS): Secretary Tourism & Culture, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah today directed constitution of helpline cum grievance redressal facility at TRC Srinagar /Jammu for tourists. He announced a regular monthly stakeholder consultation with the office bearers of various trade bodies of tourism sector to identify areas for improvement and devise strategies to overcome any challenges.
The directions were issued today during a marathon meeting-cum-interaction the Tourism Secretary had with the stakeholders of the tourism industry to discuss and evaluate the existing facilities, identify areas for improvement as well as address any issues affecting the sector.
Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob and other officers of Tourism Department were present on the occasion.
Dr. Abid highlighted the need for continuously upgrading facilities and services at tourist locations to meet evolving traveler expectations and attract more tourists towards Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized the significance of maintaining world-class facilities and services at tourist destinations to attract more domestic and international visitors towards the region.
The Tourism Secretary also highlighted the role played by tourism in economic growth and employment generation and said that there is need for constant evaluation and improvement in facilities at tourist destinations to stay competitive in the global tourism landscape.
Examining different issues and problems faced by the sector, the Secretary specifically directed strict enforcement of rates and tariffs for the tourism services at tourist destinations for which he directed the Enforcement wing of the Department to carry regular and routine checks to look into any kind of overcharging, touting or cheating by any service provider. He also directed installation of display boards at prominent tourist destinations regarding rates and rules of different tourism services.
During the meeting, the Tourism Secretary also spoke about the Government’s commitment to develop and promote the tourism sector as a vital contributor to the local economy adding that the tourism sector is poised to achieve new heights and contribute significantly to the region’s economy in coming days. He also emphasized on the significance of collaboration and cooperation between the stakeholders and the Department to create a vibrant and inclusive tourism industry that benefits both the tourists and the local community.

Referring to the upcoming G20 event in Kashmir, Dr. Abid said that the upcoming Tourism Working Group meeting under the aegis of G20 will get the local tourism industry a big boost and it would position J&K’s tourism industry appropriately on the global canvas.
The meeting brought together key players from the tourism industry, including representatives from hotels, tour operators and other related organisations associated with the travel trade and hospitality sector besides senior officers of the Tourism Department.
During the meeting, the stakeholders held extensive discussions with the Tourism Secretary and his team of officers. They gave numerous suggestions for devising effective solutions and strategies to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector and brought many issues into the notice of the Tourism Secretary.(GNS)
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#Secretary #Tourism #directs #establishment #dedicated #tourist #service #helpline #immediately #stakeholder #meetings #Sat
( With inputs from : thegnskashmir.com )

May 6, 2023
Secretary Tourism directs for establishment of dedicated tourist service helpline immediately, stakeholder meetings on first Sat

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SRINAGAR, MAY 06: Secretary Tourism & Culture, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah today directed constitution of helpline cum grievance redressal facility at TRC Srinagar /Jammu for tourists. He announced a regular monthly stakeholder consultation with the office bearers of various trade bodies of tourism sector to identify areas for improvement and devise strategies to overcome any challenges.
The directions were issued today during a marathon meeting-cum-interaction the Tourism Secretary had with the stakeholders of the tourism industry to discuss and evaluate the existing facilities, identify areas for improvement as well as address any issues affecting the sector.
Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob and other officers of Tourism Department were present on the occasion.
Dr. Abid highlighted the need for continuously upgrading facilities and services at tourist locations to meet evolving traveler expectations and attract more tourists towards Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized the significance of maintaining world-class facilities and services at tourist destinations to attract more domestic and international visitors towards the region.
The Tourism Secretary also highlighted the role played by tourism in economic growth and employment generation and said that there is need for constant evaluation and improvement in facilities at tourist destinations to stay competitive in the global tourism landscape.
Examining different issues and problems faced by the sector, the Secretary specifically directed strict enforcement of rates and tariffs for the tourism services at tourist destinations for which he directed the Enforcement wing of the Department to carry regular and routine checks to look into any kind of overcharging, touting or cheating by any service provider. He also directed installation of display boards at prominent tourist destinations regarding rates and rules of different tourism services.
During the meeting, the Tourism Secretary also spoke about the Government’s commitment to develop and promote the tourism sector as a vital contributor to the local economy adding that the tourism sector is poised to achieve new heights and contribute significantly to the region’s economy in coming days. He also emphasized on the significance of collaboration and cooperation between the stakeholders and the Department to create a vibrant and inclusive tourism industry that benefits both the tourists and the local community.
Referring to the upcoming G20 event in Kashmir, Dr. Abid said that the upcoming Tourism Working Group meeting under the aegis of G20 will get the local tourism industry a big boost and it would position J&K’s tourism industry appropriately on the global canvas.

The meeting brought together key players from the tourism industry, including representatives from hotels, tour operators and other related organisations associated with the travel trade and hospitality sector besides senior officers of the Tourism Department.
During the meeting, the stakeholders held extensive discussions with the Tourism Secretary and his team of officers. They gave numerous suggestions for devising effective solutions and strategies to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector and brought many issues into the notice of the Tourism Secretary.
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#Secretary #Tourism #directs #establishment #dedicated #tourist #service #helpline #immediately #stakeholder #meetings #Sat
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

May 6, 2023
300 Destinations Selected For Promoting Film Tourism In JK: Secy Tourism

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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government’s tourism department Saturday said that they have selected 300 destinations for promoting film tourism in the UT this year while G-20 will be the major international event and a great opportunity for J&K.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the first show of the newly released movie—‘Welcome To Kashmir’, directed by Tariq Bhat, at Inox Cinema Srinagar, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Syed Abid Rasheed said that last year 200 plus movies were shot in J&K.
“This year our focus is to promote film tourism and for that, we have kept 300 destinations on the table of film producers and directors to choose any place for shooting,” he said.
He said this year, film tourism will be promoted in a major way so that many untouched destinations are explored. “There are many destinations much better than European destinations in the UT,” said Rasheed. “Recently, a big film production house shot a movie in Kashmir.”
To a query about the G-20 event, the Commissioner Secretary of Tourism said that the third working group meeting of the G-20 tourism group will be hosted by J&K which is a “major international event.” “This is a great opportunity for J&K to showcase its beauty. Through the summit, we will be able to promote film tourism in J&K,” he said—(KNO)

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#Destinations #Selected #Promoting #Film #Tourism #Secy #Tourism
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

May 6, 2023
300 destinations selected for promoting film tourism in J&K this year, says Sec Tourism

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Srinagar, May 06: Jammu and Kashmir government’s tourism department Saturday said that they have selected 300 destinations for promoting film tourism in the UT this year while G-20 will be the major international event and the great opportunity for J&K.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the first show of the newly released movie—‘Welcome To Kashmir’, directed by Tariq Bhat, at Inox cinema Srinagar, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Syed Abid Rasheed said that last year 200 plus movies were shot in J&K. “This year our focus is to promote film tourism and for that, we have kept 300 destinations on the table of film producers and directors to choose any place for shooting,” he said as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said this year, film tourism will be promoted in a major way so that many untouched destinations are explored. “There are many destinations much better than European destinations in the UT,” said Rasheed. “Recently, a big film production house shot a movie in Kashmir.”
To a query about the G-20 event, the Commissioner Secretary Tourism said that the third working group meeting of the G-20 tourism group will be hosted by J&K which is a “major international event.” “This is a great opportunity for J&K to showcase its beauty. Through the summit, we will be able to promote film tourism in J&K,” he said—(KNO)
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#destinations #selected #promoting #film #tourism #year #Sec #Tourism
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

May 6, 2023
G 20 Event Has Potential To Promote JK Tourism On Next Level: Secy Tourism

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SRINAGAR: Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah on Friday said that in the run-up to the G-20 event, slated to be held in the last week of May, massive participation of the general public has been witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir and that the young minds are being given an of how things operate on a global platform through the participatory exercises.
Shah spoke to the reporters on the sidelines of the model G20 summit, which was organized by the Tourism department at SKICC, Srinagar.
Shah said that a very important event is going to be held in Kashmir in the last week of May and as part of a participatory exercise where students from various colleges and schools and especially universities are being involved, a model G20 summit was organized to give these young minds a taste of how things operate on a global platform.
“In the run-up to the G-20 event, there is massive participation that we have seen from the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the government of J&K is organizing different events in the run-up to the main event to give a sense of public participation for the massive event for us on the international scale and has a potential to promote J&K tourism on the next level,” he said.
We are also making sure that while we are preparing for the main event, we encourage a lot of public participation to give a sense of involvement to the general public, especially the young bright minds, he said.
“Majority of the GDP comes from tourism as it is the backbone of our economy, so therefore, we have to project, promote and manage tourism in J&K in the right perspective so that it is taken to the next level on a local stand,” he added.
He added that J&K was always the prime destination for film tourism where the movies were being shot. “Now, I am happy to inform you that in the last year, over 200 movies have been shot in J&K. At present, the big film stars are coming in and today also we have a very big film crew in the town and there are queries for the future as well. The department has come up with a very strong facilitator ecosystem concerning film tourism,” he said.
“We are trying to promote new tourism destinations. For this calendar year, we have planned 300 new destinations while some of them are already up and there are 75 offbeat destinations among them. The government as well as the tourism department is trying to project other destinations where fewer tourists are visiting,” he said, adding that 75 cultural heritage and adventurous destinations, and religious destinations have been shortlisted. “We are taking a holistic view in this regard,” he said. (KNO)

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#Event #Potential #Promote #Tourism #Level #Secy #Tourism
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 29, 2023
Italian tourism video mocked for using footage of Slovenia

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Italy’s tourism ministry has faced ridicule after an official video to attract tourists to Italy used footage of people in Slovenia drinking Slovenian wine.
The video, part of a €9m ($9.91m) campaign produced by the Armando Testa communications group, was widely mocked by critics and on social media even before it emerged that part of it had been shot abroad.
Titled “Open to Meraviglia” (Open to Wonder), the video features a computerised “influencer” version of Venus, a symbol of Italian art, as depicted by Sandro Botticelli in his renaissance masterpiece The Birth of Venus.
The very modern “Venus” dons a mini-skirt and is shown eating pizza and presenting some of Italy’s main tourist attractions such as the Coliseum in Rome or Florence’s cathedral.
The art historian Tomaso Montanari called the advertising campaign “grotesque”, and an “obscene” waste of money, while the video was lampooned by users of Italian social media platforms.
The most controversial footage shows a group of young people smiling on a sunlit patio drinking wine in what is presented as a typical Italian scene. However, eagle-eyed viewers spotted that the patio in question is actually in the Cotar region of Slovenia, close to the Italian border, and the bottle on the table has a Cotar wine label.
The Armando Testa communications group was not immediately available to comment.
The Italian tourism minister, Daniela Santanche, a member of prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party, called critics of the video “snobs” and said the depiction of Venus as an influencer was aimed at attracting young people.

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#Italian #tourism #video #mocked #footage #Slovenia
( With inputs from : www.theguardian.com )

April 25, 2023
Turkey’s tourism sector sees rebound after massive earthquakes

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Ankara: Turkey’s tourism industry is recovering from a major setback caused by the February 6 devastating earthquakes, business insiders said.
The number of tourism bookings rose by nearly 40 per cent in mid-March compared with that of last year, after a one-and-a-half months slowdown following the earthquakes, said Hamit Kuk, a consultant of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies.
The earthquakes struck at a time when the country’s tourism sector was restoring its losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic had led to cancellations or postponement in tourism reservations both from overseas and local markets, Xinhua news agency quoted the consultant as saying.

However, the Turkish lira has strengthened the competitiveness of the country’s tourism sector.
Since 2022, the lira has lost about 70 per cent of its value against the US dollar.
Favourable exchange rates in the past year have further stimulated the demand for tourism services in Turkey, a tourist destination popular with Russians, Germans and Britons, among other foreign tourists, said Elcin Yildiz, an Ankara-based freelance tourist guide.
Ali Bahar, president of the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said an upcoming nine-day vacation is also expected to boost the domestic demand for tourism services.
Many Turkish families are expected to combine the upcoming school break with the three-day Eid holiday, which begins on April 21, making it a nine-day vacation.

However, as Turkey’s tourism industry seeks to reach pre-pandemic levels of reservations, the impact of the earthquakes and the country’s economic woes on domestic demand should not be underestimated, according to Kuk.
The high inflation has led to a sharp decline in Turkish households’ purchasing power. In addition, the prices of the hotel rooms have increased by 15 to 40 percent due to the recent surge in operation costs, he explained.
Furthermore, there is no demand for tours in earthquake-hit eastern and southeastern Turkey, which are known for its cultural excursions, he said.
The tourism industry, which employs about two million people, plays an important part in Turkey’s economy.
In 2022, Turkey hosted 51.3 million foreign visitors, who contributed $46.3 billion in tourism revenues, up from $38.5 billion in 2019, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.
Earlier, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said that the country expects to host nearly 60 million foreign tourists in 2023, and 90 million in 2028.
The government expects tourism
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Siasat staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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#Turkeys #tourism #sector #sees #rebound #massive #earthquakes
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 24, 2023