Muzaffarabad,(Parliament Times):
Prime Minister Azad Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has said that the promotion of tourism in the liberated territory remains one of the top priorities of his government.
He expressed these views while speaking to a representative delegation of the Hotel, Guest Houses, Restaurants and Marriage Halls Management Association of Azad Kashmir that called on him here today.
He told the visiting delegation that practical measures were being taken to develop the tourism sector on modern lines and to ensure a conducive environment for both local and foreign tourists.
Terming promotion of tourism as a key to region’s economic stability, the Prime Minister stated that a robust economy not only helps to generate employment but also enhances the welfare of the people.
The Prime Minister said that the government was fully aware of the issues faced by hotel owners and others associated with the tourism sector.
“Steps will be taken to resolve the problems faced by all those associated with tourism industry,” the pm added.
He further stated that, alongside tourism, the government was focusing on the development of other key sectors, including health, education, agriculture, IT, industry, and trade.
Regarding the welfare of the general masses, the pm stated that the government aims to enable people, particularly the youth, to stand on their own feet.
The Prime Minister said that the government was planning to organize a Tourism Conference in April–May, in which all stakeholders would be invited and their valuable inputs, suggestions, and proposals would be considered to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing the challenges facing the tourism sector.
On the occasion, the visiting delegation briefed the Prime Minister on steps for promoting tourism, issues faced by hotel management, improvement of service standards, and the provision of a conducive environment.
The delegation also presented a proposed plan of action for promoting tourism through joint efforts of the government and the Association.
The delegation welcomed the government’s initiative to hold a tourism conference and to prepare a roadmap for the long-term resolution of issues related to the tourism sector.
The delegation included Chairman Hotel/Guest Houses Raja Muhammad Ilyas Khan, Tanveer Ahmed Qureshi, Member and President Chamber of Commerce Ehtisham Wagra, Muhammad Siddique Rathore, Saqib Murtaza, Raja Iftikhar, Abrar Ahmed Butt, Raja Amjad, Chaudhry Sagheer, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azhar Mughal, Ali Umar, Arslan Zia, Nauman Mir, Raja Ammar, Maqbool Kiani, Waheed Awan and Adnan Awan, among others.