‘Rethinking Tourism’: KU holds special events to celebrate World Tourism Day
Srinagar: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Tuesday celebrated the World Tourism Day under the theme, ‘Rethinking Tourism’.
Commissioner Secretary Tourism J&K Sarmad Hafeez was the chief guest on the occasion while the Registrar KU Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir and Director Handicrafts J&K Mahmood A Shah were the guests of honour.
The programme was organised by the varsity’s Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies (DTHLS) in collaboration with Himalayan Welfare Organisation (HWO).
In his presidential address, Sarmad Hafeez highlighted J&K’s vast tourism potential and the new initiatives being taken by the tourism department to promote untapped tourism destinations across the UT.
Calling for “active partnership” between KU and the tourism department, Hafeez said there was not a single place in the world other than Kashmir that can offer as much on the tourism platter.
He, however, said it’s important for institutions and young students to collaborate and jointly make a difference in the promotion of tourism sector that directly or indirectly concerns every individual.
He also said that J&K endeavours to undertake sustainable tourism and revive some of its rich traditions and offer the same on its tourism circuit.
In his address, KU Registrar Dr Nisar Ahamd Mir said the University was committed to create a human resource that benefits the tourism industry.
He urged the tourism Secretary and other stakeholders to do the hand-holding and up-skilling of the KU’s tourism students to boost their journey of becoming tourism professionals.
In his special address, Mahmood A Shah called for “diversifying tourism products” in J&K and also addressing the “information deficit” related to tourist places.
He said craft tours are now being offered as a package to tourists to explore the UT’s “handicraft and handloom wealth.”
Coordinator DTHLS Dr Reyaz A Qureshi delivered the welcome address and called for greater Industry-Academic collaboration in areas of tourism and hospitality to develop well-trained tourism professionals.
President HWO Mushtaq A Pahalgami and President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Farooq A Kathoo also shared the dais and highlighted the importance of partnership between various tourism stakeholders to take the industry forward on the path of progression.
Dr Ajaz A Khaki delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks, while Dr Zubair Ahmad delivered the special address on the occasion.
The event saw a colorful cultural programme, display of paintings, Vlogs, a skit and a dance fusion by the students of DTHLS related to the theme of the programme.
