Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Honoured with Award of Excellence at 15th ATOAI Convention in Gujarat

Jammu and Kashmir added another remarkable achievement by winning the “Award of Excellence” at the 15th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). The event was held from December 16th to 18th, 2023 in Gujarat at the Statue of Unity in Ektanagar.

Many esteemed dignitaries attended the event including the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, the Tourism Minister of Gujarat, and the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, along with influential personalities from the tourism and glamour world. The event featured multiple technical and knowledge sessions focussing on various aspects of tourism. Representatives from Tourism Departments and boards of more than fifteen states/UTs, along with industry leaders attended the convention.

The hosting of the G20 has brought unprecedented recognition to the Union Territory. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the tourism of Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of the leading brands in adventure, leisure, heritage, pilgrimage and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a remarkable 350 percent increase in the arrival of foreign tourists. The tourist influx is all time high in the region surpassing 20 million by the end of the first week of December 2023.

The Secretary of Tourism J&K, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah spoke on the occasion and expressed his gratitude. He expressed that this award is a recognition of the collective success of the Jammu and Kashmir tourism and its stakeholders. He highlighted the potential of tourism in the region and they are on the path of achieving the vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Making India a Global Adventure Tourism Hub.’

Amarjeet Singh, Special Secretary of the J&K tourism team showcased the potential of adventure tourism in the region. He emphasized the pivotal role of skilling and capacity building for local stakeholders in the tourism sector. He also emphasized the employment creation through the tourism industry.

The J&K team highlighted the natural beauty and diversity of the region to the Adventure Tour Operators and the media. The team invited adventurous travellers intending to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a global adventure hub.