The Pahalgam’s winter festival was inaugurated on Monday, aiming to bolster tourism during the colder season. With a week-long program themed around vibrant winter tourism, the event seeks to attract visitors and showcase the allure of Pahalgam in winter.
Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Syed Fakhrudin Hamid formally inaugurated the festival and commended the local community for their unwavering hospitality throughout the year.
“We congratulate all the people for the hospitality they have showcased over the years and have upheld its spirit. Pahalgam is more beautiful and cleaner than it has ever been before,” he said.
He acknowledged the efforts of the CEO and Directorate of Tourism under the “vibrant Tourism” initiative in Pahalgam, saying, “today, under the theme of vibrant winters, we must commend the CEO and Directorate of Tourism for the efforts they are carrying out in Pahalgam.”
“I am hopeful that the tourists will be thoroughly enjoying their time here,” he said. He also announced a new initiative – introducing All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) for the first time in Pahalgam.
The new initiative which had been started here is ATVs, which weren’t here before, CEO has already tendered it out. We prioritize safe tourism above all, so we will first conduct thorough training for operators. There will be no pick and choose, and the process will be entirely transparent, he said.
He said that this new initiative is meant to benefit the local youth, adding, This new initiative is for the people. We are sure it will benefit the youth, but only after they receive proper training for the said initiative. If they need any assistance, they can contact the Directorate of Tourism or CEO PDA. Let’s all work together to promote safe tourism, which will ultimately boost both tourism and the local economy.
A tourist said, Pahalgam, as always, is a beautiful spot to visit in any season. The government’s efforts here are commendable. We are truly blessed to be here.
“The administration should continue organizing such festivals, which showcase the beauty of this place to the whole world and attract tourists from around the globe,” he said.
