Director Tourism Kashmir Nisar Ahmad Wani Tuesday convened a meeting at Tourist Reception Centre Conference Hall here to review the status of developmental projects and preparations for ensuing tourist season.
The meeting decided to organise the Summer Festival atPahalgam tentatively on 20 June 2019. It also decided to hold water basedsports activities at Manasbal Lake and rafting championship at Sonmarg.
During the meeting, the Director Tourism Kashmir wasinformed about the revenue generated from various assets especially at Gulmargfrom ski shops and ski-lifts which was up by almost 50 per cent from therevenue generated for the corresponding period in the previous winter season.
The director was also informed that Botapathri in Gulmargwill also be thrown open for visitors from the first week of May which willfurther increase the tourist rush to the resort.
The meeting was also informed that 60 All Terrain Vehiclesand 54 snow bikes are operating at Gulmarg.
The Director Tourism was also informed about theregistrations of new excursion agencies, guest houses, paying guest houses,tourist guides, ponytails, and other service providers made during past oneyear at various destinations, an official handout said.
The Director instructed the officers to ensure properverification of the documents specified in the checklist and no less than theAssistant Director should personally inspect the business units before grantingany new registration.
While maintaining that the assets should be made functionalwith all facilities, the Director Tourism said the department is duty bound toprovide the best facilities for the visitors to make their holidays memorable.
He also stressed on maintaining and improving the landscapeat the resorts besides keeping the destinations clean.
Director Tourism instructed the officers to identify thespots for the construction of bio-toilets and also complete theunder-construction projects on time while also using the material of thehighest standard.
He also instructed Assistant Directors and Destination In Charges to make the rates of theservices likes shikara rides, pony rides, ATV rides, snow-scooters rides, localsightseeing by taxi operators public on proper display boards at visible placesso that visitors can make a fair judgment and are not overcharged for theservices they avail.
The meeting also decided to conduct several activities atvarious destinations especially at Pahalgam to promote the resorts and alsoinvolve the local youth in sports and adventure activities.