Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Unveils Plans to Boost Tourism and Address Local Concerns in Gulmarg
In a significant effort to boost tourism and address local issues, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, visited Gulmarg on Thursday and held a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including hoteliers, ponywalas, tourist guides, and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) drivers.
The meetings, which took place at the esteemed Golf Club Gulmarg, centered on enhancing the tourism experience, tackling the challenges faced by local businesses, and exploring new sustainable development opportunities in the region.
Bidhuri underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the administration and local stakeholders to ensure a thriving tourism sector that benefits the local economy.
Waseem Raja, Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority, provided a comprehensive briefing during the visit. He outlined initiatives to promote eco-friendly tourism and enhance the overall tourist experience, including safety protocols, upgraded facilities, and promotional strategies to attract more visitors.
Hoteliers raised concerns about infrastructure maintenance, safety measures, and promotional activities needed to draw more tourists. Ponywalas and ATV members discussed the necessity for better facilities and regulatory measures to ensure visitor safety and satisfaction.
In response, the Div Com directed the CEO of the Gulmarg Development Authority to designate specific routes for ponywalas and ATV drivers, aiming to enhance the regulation and management of their activities. This directive seeks to improve organization and oversight of their movements.
Additionally, the Div Com emphasized the provision of uniforms and identity cards for registered ponywalas, ATV drivers, and tourist guides. This measure aims to promote professionalism and accountability within the industry while making it easier for tourists to identify service providers. By implementing these measures, authorities can better monitor and enforce compliance with regulations, thereby enhancing safety and integrity in the tourism sector.
Bidhuri assured all stakeholders of the administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns and working towards
