Identify new trekking routes, promote off-season tourism: Secy Tourism

Srinagar, Oct 14: Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa on Wednesday called for identifying new trekking routes, strengthening adventure tourism infrastructure and promoting off-season activities to attract more visitors to Kashmir throughout the year.
Chairing a review meeting at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar, to assess the functioning and operational roadmap of the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, Lavasa stressed the need for a structured annual event calendar to ensure sustained tourist engagement and effective promotion of the region’s diverse tourism offerings.
She directed the department to plan major festivals, cultural events and seasonal activities well in advance, with proper inter-departmental coordination and wider publicity to attract tourists across different seasons.
Lavasa also called for greater focus on trekking, paragliding, water sports, skiing and mountaineering. She instructed the Directorate to identify new trekking routes, strengthen safety measures and improve related infrastructure.
She also emphasised promoting adventure tourism as a key attraction for young travellers and niche tourist segments, particularly during the off-season.
During the meeting, Director Tourism Kashmir gave a presentation on the department’s organisational structure, staff strength, vacancies, statutory enforcement framework and the progress of various government schemes, promotional campaigns and infrastructure projects.
Lavasa reviewed year-wise Capex budget allocations, expenditure patterns and pending developmental projects, directing officials to adhere to stipulated completion timelines.
She also reviewed the licensing framework for hotels and other tourist establishments and directed officials to clear pending registration and renewal applications promptly to facilitate ease of doing business.
The meeting also discussed revenue generation, outstanding liabilities and operational bottlenecks. Lavasa assured the Directorate of administrative support in resolving pending proposals and improving service delivery across Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Director Tourism Kashmir, Joint Director, Additional Secretary Tourism, Director Finance, Director Planning and other senior officers. (KNO)