BY EOK NEWS DESK
Srinagar, November 20: The CII J&K Tourism Summit 2024, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Council, successfully concluded today at Hotel Golden Tulip, Gupkar, Srinagar. The summit served as a pivotal platform, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to deliberate on fostering sustainable and responsible tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was graced by Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Govt. of J&K, as the Chief Guest, alongside Satish Sharma, Minister of FSC & CA, Transport, Science & Technology, IT, Youth Services & Sports, and Training and Development, Govt. of J&K, and Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA, Gulmarg, as Guests of Honour. Also in attendance was Irfan Ali Shah, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Eco Tourism, Government of J&K, who shared valuable insights on eco-tourism initiatives.
Speaking at the summit, Nasir Aslam Wani stated, “This summit is a significant step toward redefining Jammu and Kashmir as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination. We must act as responsible citizens and initiate projects focused on sustainability as we prepare for larger tourist inflows. The Government of J&K will ensure proactive steps are taken in this direction.”
Satish Sharma, Minister, highlighted the transformative potential of the upcoming train inauguration in January, which is expected to significantly boost tourism in Kashmir. He emphasized the need for increased subsidies and tax benefits to uplift communities involved in the tourism sector and advocated for revising current policies to improve the ease of doing business for hoteliers and allied industries.
Farooq Ahmad Shah stressed the importance of balancing tourism growth with cultural preservation, stating, “Sustainable tourism is not just a choice but a necessity for regions like ours. We need to protect our artisans and crafts and regulate home-stay policies to ensure small hoteliers are not adversely affected.”
Irfan Ali Shah, IFS, drew attention to the untapped potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s medicinal plant species, proposing the development of Ayush-based tourism inspired by global examples like Sri Lanka’s tea tourism. He suggested building infrastructure to showcase the region’s unique flora, which could attract health-conscious travelers.
Syed Junaid Altaf, Chairman, CII J&K & Executive Director – FIL Industries Private Limited delivered a thought-provoking address on the challenges and opportunities in J&K’s tourism sector. He remarked, “Tourism drives local economic growth, employment, and investment. However, balancing this growth with environmental and cultural preservation is critical. A sustainable tourism sector must support local communities, promote biodiversity conservation, and embrace digital innovation to create inclusive opportunities for women, youth, and indigenous groups.”
The summit featured an esteemed lineup of speakers, including- Rakesh Mathur, Honorary President, Responsible Tourism Society of India, emphasized the importance of educating children about responsible tourism and enforcing penalties for rule violations.
Abhijeet Patil, Chairman, Raja Rani Travels, shared insights on urban beautification, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, and promoting responsible tourism. Shivraj Dhaka, Senior Counsellor, CII-IGBC, and Madhusudhan Rapole, CEO & Founder, Oorja Energy Engineering Services Pvt Ltd, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Founder, SAGG Ecological Village, shared practical experiences in eco-tourism development and Syed Mujtaba Ali Jaffery, Vice President, Skyview by Empyrean, highlighted unique tourism experiences.
The event also included valuable contributions from Sidhant Choudhary, Convener, CII J&K Tourism Panel, and Hussain Khan, Co-Convener, CII J&K Tourism Panel, who enriched the
The CII J&K Tourism Summit 2024 concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir