Adding yet another feather to its cap, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism received “Award of Excellence ” at the 15th Annual Convention of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) held at the Statue of Unity, Ektanagar, Gujarat from 16th to 18th December, 2023.
The event was graced by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Tourism Minister Of Gujarat, Deputy Chief Of Army staff, leading personalities from tourism and glamour world. Besides, Tourism Departments and boards of more than fifteen states/UT’s and industry leaders also participated. Multiple technical and knowledge sessions with focus on various facets of adventure tourism were held during the event. J&K Tourism, which is touching new highs under the visionary leadership of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has become w leading brand in Leisure, Heritage, Adventure, Pilgrimage and MICE tourism. Furthermore, with hosting of G20 (Tourism) Working Group 2023 the Union Territory has garnered unprecedented recognition. The tourist influx has reached an all time high, surpassing 20 million figure, ending first week of December 2023. Notably, J&K has witnessed 350% increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals.
Secretary Tourism J&K, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, speaking on the occasion said, “ This award is a recognition of the success of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism including all the tourism trade stakeholders of the UT. Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of Incredible India and given its immense tourism potential, we are confident of achieving the vision of Prime Minister for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 : Making India a Global Adventure Tourism Hub.”
The J&K tourism team was led by Special Secretary Tourism, Amarjeet Singh, and included Sunaina Sharma, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Malik Waseem, Deputy Director Tourism Kashmir, Anu Sharma, Under Secretary and Ankush Soni tourist officer Ahmedabad participated in the convention.
Special Secretary Tourism, Amarjeet Singh, addressing at the event, highlighted the UT’s vision towards exploiting the diverse potential of adventure Tourism across all the regions of the UT. He underscored the pivotal role of skilling and capacity building of local stakeholders within the tourism sector, emphasizing its potential for substantial employment creation. In a vibrant interaction with Adventure Tour Operators and Media, J&K team highlighted UT’s natural beauty and diversity, beckoning adventurous travelers and transforming J&K into a Global adventure hub.