Secretary Tourism reviews winter preparedness at Gulmarg for tourists
By: Wani Fazil VOV
Srinagar
Secretary Tourism held a meeting of all concern departments to review preparedness for winter tourism as the early snowfall is bringing healthy tourist footfall here.
He instructed different wings of the administration to ensure all the arrangements for the tourists especially for the coming winter months.
He passed directions for establishment of joint control room with presence of all wings of administration for the smooth arrangements during the winter season for tourists.
Lot of tourists are heading to Gulmarg to watch the snow at this ski resort, as in this autumn season it receives seasons first snowfall.
The review meeting by Secretary Tourism indicates the seriousness of the authorities to enhance footfall of tourists espeiclaly during the winter season.
Secretary also asked the concerned functionaries of NHIDCL and traffic for providing additional recovery van to the venue and further deployment of traffic men in Gulmarg for hassle free conduct of winter activities. He further directed the CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority for making available two hundred pair chains for vehicles for tackling any exigency that may arise during the winter.
Further, Secretary also reviewed the status of facilities and services available at the local club and other outlets of the JKTDC. He directed for constant monitoring and innovation. He also reviewed the calendar of skiing courses, snow beats being run by the Youth Services Department and IISM and directed close coordination between them and the Tourism Department for optimal results.
Dr Abid asked the concerned departments to work on innovations and new ideas for making the coming season memorable for visitors. In this regard, he suggested working on concepts like illuminations, winter carnival, snow activities, skiing, cuisine, music etc besides quality services in different segments of the tourist interface.
Moreover, with regard to Solid Waste Management, Secretary deliberated upon the Gulmarg Development Authority and Municipality to come up with a plan focusing on garbage free Gulmarg.
Furthermore, Secretary sought coordinated approach of all the departments in creating new experiences at the winter destination so that tourists return back with joyful memories.
Meanwhile, directions were also passed for establishment of a joint control room comprising all the concerned departments to monitor all arrangements during the winter season.
