Vaccination will help revive tourism: Dr Itoo

Srinagar: To ensure 100 percent vaccination of the people associated with the tourism sector, an awareness programme was organised here at Nigeen in which hoteliers, tour operators, shikarawallas, houseboat owners, and their staff participated.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism Kashmir Dr GN Itoo said the government is committed to ensure 100 percent vaccination of tourism stakeholders and for that he urged them to cooperate and come forward for vacation so that they are protected from deadly Covid-19.

Dr. Itoo said the Tourism Department organised vaccination campaigns at major tourist places to ensure that those associated with the tourism sector are safe and protected and can carry out tourism activities in a safe environment once the COVID situation improves.

The Director Tourism said the role of vaccination is important for the tourism sector to bounce back and the intending tourists need to be given confidence that the stakeholders and service providers are fully vaccinated. “Vaccine will save tourism. The intending tourists will have the confidence of visiting the Valley once we achieve 100 percent vaccination,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction over the decline in the positivity rates in the Valley, Dr. Itoo said the government is taking all precaution to ensure safety of the stakeholders through vaccination and testing programmes. He said in the coming days the Department is planning to host a capacity building workshop for the members of tourist trade to familiarize them about doing business in the post COVID scenario.

Earlier, the Director Tourism toured the interiors of the Nigeen Lake and appreciated the role of the local stakeholders in keeping the lake clean. He said it is the duty of the people to preserve the lake and supplement the works for administration in their efforts to conserve the water bodies.

Chairman, Nigeen Tour Trade Association, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Deputy Director Tourism (Registration), Ahsanul Haq Chishti and other officers and officials of the Tourism Department were present on the occasion.

Heads of the various travel, hotel and houseboat owners associations who participated in the event appreciated the efforts of the tourism department in organising vigorous vaccination programmes. They also conveyed their support to the department in making the programme a success and also following Covid appropriate behaviour.