Dir Tourism inaugurates capacity building programme for Pahalgam stakeholders

PAHALGAM : Director Tourism Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo inaugurated a capacity building programme for tourism stakeholders here today.

The programme was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism and University of Kashmir in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tourism. This is the third in series of the capacity building programmes being conducted by the Department.

Earlier, two capacity building programmes were held at Srinagar and Gulmarg for shikarawals and Tourist Guides by the Department. The aim of conducting these programmes has been to guide the stakeholders on the implementation of COVID-19 appropriate protocols while conducting their businesses in the post pandemic environment.

Inaugurating the programme, Director Tourism said that these programmes are being organised with an aim to make aware different tourism stakeholders about the COVID-19 protocols while carrying out their business activities. He said that through this Capacity Building Programme, training will be provided to all the stakeholders associated with the tourism sector so that the tourists visiting Kashmir can feel safe while visiting here. He said all the stakeholders having interface with the tourists will be trained through this Capacity Building Programme on Covid-19 protocols and SOPs.

Dr Itoo said in the changed environment of global pandemic, trade practices have undergone a change and the same should be factored in while conducting their day to day businesses. He advised the stakeholders to ensure a level of fairness in the trade in tune with the local traditional hospitality.

He hoped with today’s capacity building programme, the stakeholders would be benefitted in terms of latest trade practices followed elsewhere in the world, post Covid precautions and the traditional courtesies the place has been known world over.

In today’s capacity building programme, President, Tourist Guides Federation of India, Dr. Ajay Singh through online mode apprised the participants about the emerging trade practices in tourism. Besides, other experts from relevant fields sensitized the participants about the latest practices and precautions in the trade in the wake of Covid pandemic.

Earlier Coordinator of the program, Dr Shahnawaz Ahmad outlined the broad contours of the program.

Deputy Director Tourism Kashmir, SDM, Pahalgam and other officers besides tourism stakeholders of the area were present on the occasion.

Later, the Director Tourism inspected various assets of the Department at Yanner, Langanbal and Chinni Wuder. He directed proper upkeep and maintenance of these assets particularly the wayside facilities.

Deputy Director Tourism Kashmir, Assistant Director, Pahalgam and other officers accompanied the Director during his visit.