Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar, Jun 17: With the Covid-19 positivity graph showing a decreasing trend in Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez on Thirsday held a review meeting at SKICC regarding the ongoing vaccination and other measures taken by the tourism department.
Commissioner Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez said that there has been a good improvement in Covid-19 situation in the valley along with the other parts of the country, and people who are associated with the travel trade industry are getting queries.
“We are hopeful of a good season once the Covid situation stabilizes,” Hafeez said.
On the current Covid-19 situation in the valley, Hafeez said it is a developing situation, and the government is monitoring and reacting accordingly.
“Currently we are focusing on the vaccination and training. Anyone who comes to Jammu and Kashmir feels safe while they interface with a cab driver, hotel staff, waiters, houseboat staff, shikarawallas, or with any person associated with the tourism industry,” he said.
“After the Lt. Governor directed to ramp up the vaccination in entire UT, the tourism department and stakeholders associated with the industry are ensuring 100 percent compliance, and so far we have received a good response,” Hafeez said.
While talking about the Capacity Building Measure Programs, he said, after much deliberation it was decided that stakeholders associated with the industry who have direct interface with the tourists, need to be trained so that they become conscious about the Covid protocols.
“I think the messaging is clear, very soon you will find that Jammu and Kashmir will be the safest destination to travel, as and when the Covid situation stabilizes,” he said. “If anyone wishes to visit Kashmir, is free to travel, there are no restrictions for travellers but there are some Covid protocols which one has to follow.”
Director Tourism Kashmir Dr G. N. Itoo, said that, in view of the Covid situation, the department prioritised the vaccination for the stakeholders and by large the department has achieved a target of around 80 percent while the vaccination sites continue to remain open for the left out lot.
“Vaccination of stakeholders will give confidence to the tourists to travel to the valley, houseboat owners, hoteliers, guest houses are calibrated about the Covid Sops and the guidelines, and starting of capacity building measure program will further amplify the stakeholders about the adoption of Covid appropriate behaviour while dealing with the tourists,” he said.
Chairman Hoteliers Club Mushtaq Chaya, said that the hoteliers are ready to host the guests.
“The directions with respect to Covid will be adhered. Our staff is also vaccinated. We are also ensuring that those who have not been vaccinated, get the dose at the earliest,” Chaya said.
