MUZAFFARABAD : (Parliament Times) The AJK Secretary Information, Tourism and IT Ms. Midhat Shahzad says Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) or local organizations may be formed to make local community’s role more effective for promotion of tourism in the State.
Talking to meeting of district officers of Archeology department here on Wednesday she said steps would be taken for promotion of local culture and customs and introducing Kashmiri foods, folk songs and stories. Lists of such persons who want to contribute significantly in tourism sector should be supplied to her (Secretary) within fifteen days, she urged, so that steps are taken to help them get loans on easy instalments from banks.
The Secretary disclosed that AJK supreme court took keen interest for protection of archeology. In the light of apex court’s orders, steps are being taken to remove illegal occupants to restore archeology in AJK, she stated.
“Tourism season has set in. We have got to give much better facilities and services to the tourists. Apart from ensuring better facilities of boarding and lodging information would be provided to the tourists on welcome booths” she said.
She stressed to talk to those who have hired roadside facilities to keep them open round the clock. Agreements should be repealed with those who are not paying rents regularly, she said. She added that if there was any issue for the tourists, district officer concerned would be responsible for it.
Midhat directed that public works department should be contacted to complete all the under construction projects at the earliest. She further directed to improve the standard of services in guest houses and the image should be promoted that Kashmiris are hospitable, civilized and well-mannered people. She made it clear that misbehavior or mistreatment with tourists would not at all be tolerated.
The Secretary directed the district officers to improve their performance and take special steps to enhance the income of guest houses in the season. She reminded that this year was being celebrated as the year of tourism in AJK. Lots of tourism activities would be held under tourism department in which local community would also be involved, she maintained.
