Director, Tourism Kashmir, Dr GN Itoo held detailed discussions with the tour and travel operators of West Bengal through webinar.During the discussions, the Director Tourism apprised the West Bengal tour operators about the safety measures and Covid related facilities in place for the travelers visiting Kashmir. He also briefed them about the current status of the tourism sector in view of the improving COVID-19 situation.
Around 80 delegates belonging to the Travel Agents Association of Bengal (TAAB) and Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) attended the meeting.
Dr Itoo said the J&K administration has been successful in containing the Covid-19 pandemic to a larger extent with the help of massive vaccination campaigns and rigorous testing. He said the department has already covered 80 percent of tourism stakeholders in the vaccination drives. He said the testing at Srinagar airport has been made hassle free and they are also facilitating vaccination of the travellers interested in taking a jab here.
Terming West Bengal as one of the oldest partners of Kashmir tourism; the Director Tourism sought their feedback and inputs in conducting safe and responsible tourism once the COVID situation further improves. He also discussed with them the plans of the Department to revive tourism, once the pandemic situation improves.
During the webinar, many TAAB members asked travel related queries and gave feedback to the Director Tourism. He said the Department has already framed a committee of officers to look into the grievances of tourists coming to Kashmir and seek their redressal. He assured full support to the travel and tour operators from Bengal so their clients leave back the Valley with beautiful and cherishing memories.
Earlier, Governing Body Member of TAAB Kaushik Kar spoke on age-old relations between J&K and West Bengal in the tourism sector. He said many travellers are eager to visit Kashmir this summer also and assured to promote Kashmir among their travellers from his state.
President TAAK, Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo and other representatives assured full cooperation and support to TAAB members.
