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Shri Prahlad Singh Patel addresses webinar ‘India’s Heritage: Powering Tourism’ on occasion of World Heritage Day 2021

The Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (I/C), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel addressed a webinar ‘India’s Heritage: Powering Tourism’ organized by Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of World Heritage Day 2021 today. He also inaugurated the Online Exhibition on Ramayana, the Epic by Maharishi Valmiki which is the very first online exhibition on the Ramayana. The online exhibition showcases forty nine (49) miniature paintings collections of National Museum, New Delhi from different art schools of India, dating from the 17th through the 19th century.

The weblink for the online exhibition is https://nmvirtual.in/Virtual_Tour/Ramayan/

During his address, Shri Patel said that World Heritage Day is being celebrated since the last 39 years only while our heritage is thousands years old. The Minister explained that India has a unique heritage of temples, dance, music, shastras which can’t be found anywhere in the world and protecting these invaluable inheritances for future generations is a collective responsibility and requires a renewed focus on community participation and awareness in addition to the regulatory and administrative framework. Sh Prahlad Singh Patel said that we now need to deliberate and work seriously in the field of heritage. It is the responsibility of the younger generation to carry forward the task of promoting the vast heritage of the country with proper facts and timelines. This can be done by them successfully since they are adept at technology and have more resources which provide invaluable tools with the help of which they can trace history and events more accurately, the Minister elaborated. This should be taken up by them as a challenge, he said.

Shri Patel added that our heritage sites and monuments have a close association with diverse artistic traditions and cultures. We have several ancient sites and temples but they have not received their due at the global platform which they deserve. The Minister said that it is essential to bring together our pool of good quality human resource comprising of conservationists, archaeologists and historians who can throw proper light on the vast heritage and take it on to the world platform in a professional manner. It is also important to keep building this pool of essential human resources simultaneously, the Minister urged.

Shri Patel said that we are trying to boost tourism and our culture and heritage are the major attractions for the tourists. Towards this end, we must have long term plans which will include systematic development of our culture and heritage and showcasing it at appropriate forums to get concrete results, with the involvement of the younger generation.

Shri Patel said that celebrations across world cultures and spreading awareness on historic sites are the need of the hour. All around the world, the culmination of experts from diverse fields like architecture, archaeology, performing and visual art, culture have contributed towards preserving the tangible and intangible heritage cultural monuments for the younger generations. I hope, this panel discussion comprising of such eminent and knowledgeable personalities, will go a long way in preserving our precious heritage. I congratulate and wish you all the best for this noble endeavour.

Webinar “India’s Heritage Powering Tourism’ was organized to explore the extensive and splendid tangible and intangible heritage of India and its importance in enriching tourist experience. The brain storming session was modulated by ADG, Tourism Ms Rupinder Brar and attended by following eminent personalities from various fields:

  • Mr. Abhay Mangaldas – House of Mangaldas
  • Mr. Harshvardhan – No footprints
  • Ms.Shailja Katoch – House of Kangra
  • Dr Shruti Nada Poddar – Nada Yoga
  • Ms. Krithika Subrahmanian – Svatma
  • Ms. Sudakshna Thampi – Yoga & Spiritual Healing
  • Dr Shovana Narayan – Kathak Maestro
  • Mr. Dinesh K Patnaik – Director General, ICCR
  • Ms. Lovleen Sagar – Distant Frontiers

World Heritage Day 2021 theme this year is “Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures”.

Mega Tourism Promotion Event “Tapping The Potential Of Kashmir: Another Day In Paradise” Organized Recently At Srinagar Highlights Tourism Potential Of Jammu & Kashmir In A Big Way

In order to promote the various Tourism potentials of Jammu & Kashmir and to address the various opportunities in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality in the Union Territory Of Jammu & Kashmir the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India & Department of Tourism, Government Of Jammu & Kashmir in association with FICCI (Knowledge Partner), and IGTA organised a unique networking platform ‘Tapping the Tourism Potential of Kashmir: Another Day in Paradise’ recently at Srinagar. The Lt. Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (I/c) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated and virtually addressed the delegates at the event. The objective of the event was to showcase the myriad tourism products of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and promote tourism to Jammu & Kashmir as the destination for leisure, Adventure, Eco, Wedding, films and MICE Tourism. Secretary Tourism, GoI Shri Arvind Singh; Adviser to Lt. Governor of J&K, Mr Baseer Khan; Secretary Tourism, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir Mr Sarmad Hafeez; Additional Director General,MoT, Smt. Rupinder Brar and other senior officers were also present at the inaugural session.

The event received participation from who’s who from the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality sector, key Industry stakeholders and Policy makers from Kashmir and various parts of India.

A special event of one to one B2B meetings was also organized among key industry stake holders from Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Industry of Jammu and Kashmir and the delegates from rest of India at Srinagar. The meetings were attended by local tour operators, hoteliers, houseboat owners, transport companies and other key stake holders of Travel, Tourism & Hospitality from Kashmir as Sellers. The buyers included top notch Tour operators, DMC’s, Film personalities, Eco tourism specialists from various parts of India.

Addressing the gathering virtually during inaugural session Shri Manoj Sinha mentioned that the UT of J&K will come out with a new policy on Film shooting to attract film makers and promote the region as a hot spot film shooting destination.

Minister of State (IC) Tourism and Culture, Government of India, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel mentioned that the abrogation of Article 370 and other subsequent development works has given a big boost to tourist influx in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to the Lt. Governor, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Mr. Baseer Khan mentioned that it is encouraging to see that post lockdown the tourist footfalls at the UT of Jammu & Kashmir has increased significantly and coming 3-4 months during the summer season more tourists are expected to visit the destination. He also said that his Government is planning a long list of new destinations that could be showcased to attract more tourists.

Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Shri Arvind Singh said that they are keeping no stones unturned to revive tourism for Jammu and Kashmir, the effort started from the winter and the process will continue in summers especially for the domestic tourists.

Secretary- Tourism, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Mr. Sarmad Hafeez, on the occasion highlighted some of the historical tourism sites in the region and their importance.

Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Smt. Rupinder Brar mentioned that the rise of domestic tourism is the sign of revival and the conference will deliberate upon the strategies to showcase best tourism products of Jammu & Kashmir to attract domestic tourists.

Director -Tourism, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo earlier made a presentation to the audience showcasing various tourist destinations of Jammu & Kashmir.

During plenary session on “Taking Kashmir to the next level as a preferred tourist Destination” the experts touched upon on various strategies on how best in a post pandemic world the tourists visit can be increased in the region. In other session on “Making Kashmir more eventful” the panel touched upon the Wedding, MICE and Film Tourism potential of Kashmir. In another session on “Showcasing the diverse Tourism products of Kashmir” the experts debated on the various niche tourism potentials of Kashmir including Culture, Heritage, Film, Leisure & Golf Tourism. In the session “Wazwan, Zaffran, and Shikara – the story continues…” the experts said that Kashmir should not be mentioned as a “Restricted Area” for any Foreign Tourists. Global experts can be consulted to develop Tourism in Kashmir. International destinations similar to Kashmir like Switzerland etc should be seen as a case study for the betterment of Tourism in Kashmir. To promote Kashmir as a Culinary tourism destination, separate visual strategies like a logo , video , images etc. related to food and cuisines should be considered.

To promote the Gastronomical Heritage of Kashmir the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organized live cooking classes with Master Chef India winner and celebrity Chef Pankaj Bhadouria & Chef Ranveer Brar. Both the Chefs visited and procured ingredients from the local market of Srinagar and gave live demonstrations of their cooking skills in Kashmiri cuisine to delegates and students of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Srinagar. The objective of the session was aimed at promoting the local culinary & cuisines of Kashmir to the rest of India and the world.

An Exhibition of various Kashmiri garments, embroideries and food were organized at the conference venue. Along with this there was a Shikara and boat ride at Dal Lake for the delegates, which was followed by a beautiful Laser Show cum musical fountain at the Dal Lake. The laser show project, which is now is permanent feature at the SKICC in Dal Lake, has been funded by the Ministry of Tourism.

The Tulip garden of Kashmir is a unique tourism site which has featured in several Bollywood films has the potential of attracting tourists from all over the world. It is the largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of about 30 hectares. It is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range with an overview of Dal Lake. The garden was opened in 2007 with the aim to boost floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley. The best time to visit the Tulip Garden is between March-end and early April.

To promote Kashmir as an International Golf Tourism destination and to showcase the world class Golf Infrastructure of Kashmir, a Golf Tournament was organized at the Royal Spring Golf Course between the delegation of Golfers from various parts of India and local Golfers from Srinagar which was followed by an Award ceremony.

Kashmir has the potential to become India’s top and World’s one of the leading Golf Tourism destinations. Jammu & Kashmir offers outstanding opportunities for golf players all through the summer (April to November). Golfing in Jammu and Kashmir is always a delight and one of the main attractions among the tourists.

Ambassador of Vietnam H.E. Pham Sanh Chau who has been in various parts of the world compared the various natural beauty of Kashmir with various other natural beauty of the world incusing Canada, Switzerland, other parts of Europe, Vietnam and many more. As per him, one can find the beauty of the entire world in Kashmir itself.

High Commissioner of Kenya His Excellency Willy Kipkorir Bett and Spouse of High Commissioner of Kenya Her Excellency Faith Jemvtai Bett both were completely overwhelmed with the Royal springs Golf course of Srinagar and mentioned it as a world class Golf destination. Her Excellency Bett also mentioned that she has become a great fan of Kashmiri cuisines. She specifically mentioned that she will try out a few dishes at home.

Ambassador of Georgia H.E. Archil was overwhelmed by the beauty of Gulmarg and he enjoyed Skiing during his visit to Gulmarg. He mentioned the slopes at Gulmarg are ideal for skiing and is one of the best in the world.

Shri Manoj Sinha and Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurate the mega tourism promotion event “Tapping the Potential of Kashmir: Another Day in Paradise” being held in Srinagar

The Ministry of Tourism has organised a mega tourism promotion event in Srinagar “Tapping the Potential of Kashmir: Another Day in Paradise” from 11th -13th April, 2021.The Lt. Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (I/c)Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated and virtually addressed the delegates at the event. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in association with the Tourism Department of Jammu- Kashmir, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FICCI) and the Indian Golf Tourism Association (IGTA) has organised this event. The objective of the event is to showcase the myriad tourism products of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and promote tourism to Jammu & Kashmir as the destination for leisure, Adventure, Eco, Wedding, films and MICE Tourism. Secretary Tourism, GoI Shri Arvind Singh; Adviser to Lt. Governor of J&K, Mr Baseer Khan; Secretary Tourism, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir Mr Sarmad Hafeez; Additional Director General, MoT, Smt. Rupinder Brar and other senior officers were also present at the inaugural session.

During his virtual address, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said that this event is a new endeavour by Tourism Ministry and other stakeholders to promote tourism in J&K. The Minister said that the country has seen a five time hike in tourists in January 2021 in comparison to January 2020 in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative will further help to revive tourism in the UT. Shri Patel added that after the abolition of Section 370 and recovering from all the adverse conditions, tourists have started visiting J&K. Shri Patel further added that this place has archaeological, historical and natural beauty. We just need to promote them and these types of events play an important role by throwing up new ideas for creating better infrastructure.

In his virtual address , Shri Manoj Sinha said that first of all I would like to thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for giving Rs 786 crores in the budget this year for development of tourism in UT , which is 509 crore higher then last time. Shri Sinha also expressed his gratitude towards Union Culture & Tourism Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel for his full support in making efforts to restore tourism in the UT. Shri Sinha added that Jammu & Kashmir has a great tourism potential and the administration will come up with a new film policy very soon, which will bring back the golden film era to Jammu & Kashmir. Shri Manoj Sinha explained that tourism has been badly hit by the pandemic. Keeping in mind health and other aspects of people involved, many measures have been taken to ensure safety of visiting tourists. Kashmir as a  destination for weddings, film tourism , MICE etc is looked forward to as it offers immense possibilities and he hoped  that the deliberations at the event will go a long way in showing the way forward.

Shri Sinha further elaborated that for the transformation of the tourism sector, five pillars will remain the focus which includes sustainable development for the tourism industry, strengthening the hospitality sector, Human resource development, development of golf and populatisation of food.

Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Shri Arvind Singh said that the ‘Paradise on Earth’ is abundantly blessed with tourism potential. Tourism is one of the largest contributors to the economy of the Kashmir region as most of the economic activities are based on tourism and allied services, he added.

Shri Singh further said that COVID 19 pandemic has impacted the world in an unprecedented manner and brought it to a standstill. A drastic reduction in human mobility and tourism, suspension of international flights, the closure of airports and borders, the adoption of strict restrictions on travel etc. have caused a prolonged crisis for all the segments of the economy and more so to the tourism industry. However, signs of recovery have been witnessed. Srinagar has witnessed record tourist visits since December 2020 and as per information all the hotels are completely booked till June 2021. This is very encouraging news. I am happy for this opportunity to revive Tourism in the state and partner with the stakeholders to develop tourism in the state thereby also providing with employment opportunities to the youth in the state.

Shri Arvind added that the Ministry under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD has sanctioned projects for Rs.562.79 crore for development of Tourism infrastructure in the UT. Most of these projects are at a completion stage and once completed will fulfill the vision of ministry of providing enhanced experience to visitors at tourist destinations. The laser Show at Dal Lake is one of such initiative of Ministry among other initiatives taken for enhancing the tourist experience in Kashmir.

Shri Arvind further said that the connectivity is another focus area and the Ministry is working tirelessly with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Civil Aviation. Recently the direct flights have also started from Bangaluru and Ahmedabad to the valley and it has provided much awaited connection between North and South. Night flights to Srinagar have also started now. Ministry of Tourism has been pursuing the matter regarding improvement of road connectivity to important tourist destinations with the Ministry of Transport & Highways (MoRTH).

Advisor to Lt. General of J&K, Shri Bashir Ahmad Khan said that he is very confident that the event is going to be very fruitful and provide road map to achieving new heights in tourism. Government of Jammu & Kashmir has finalised list of new destinations and is working to create necessary infrastructure to make these destinations popular.

Several interesting programmes, discussion sessions, technical tours, exhibitions, interactions are a part of the event including a B2B Session between your operators.  There were presentations on Tourism Potential of Jammu & Kashmir, addressed by senior government dignitaries including Shri Arvind Singh, Secretary (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India and Shri Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary – Tourism, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir.

Plenary Sessions on 12th April 2021 also included four Panel Discussions on the subjects, ‘Taking Kashmir to the next level as preferred tourist destination’, ‘Making Kashmir more eventful’, Showcasing the Diverse Tourism Products of Kashmir’and ‘Wazwan, Zaffran, and Shikara the story Continues…’ and a ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with Master Chef Pankaj Bhadouria. The Department of Tourism, Government of Jammu & Kashmir also organized a Laser Show at the famous Dal Lake followed by a Cultural Programme .A Golf Tournament is also being organized at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar for important invitees including Diplomats from Kenya and Vietnam.