On World Tourism Day 2020, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir organized a spectacular laser show and a musical fountain in its back lawns.
While adhering to the coronavirus protocols strictly, Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez operated the show which witnessed participation from all strata, particularly the tourism trade and hospitality sector.
SKICC Director Bakshi Javid Humayun termed it as a good omen to open up the tourism sector particularly MICE Tourism post coronavirus pandemic in Kashmir.
He said that since 1980 this day is observed with a lot of festivities but the COVID-19 pandemic has proven a big hindrance limiting the scope of such activities this year.
“Secretary Tourism has been pivotal to regain the fervour and importance of this occasion by organising some activity which will send a positive message in the Tourism market in the domestic and global arena,” he added.
Bakshi Javid Humayun also attended a national level webinar which was conducted under the aegis of Tourism Department of government of India in which he highlighted the MICE potential of the valley – specifically SKICC which has been operating successfully following all the SOPs and COVID protocol.
The main focus of the webinar was the speech of Union Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel and Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism who spoke of rebooting the tourism sector with responsibility viz a viz safety, sense of trust by adhering to all safety protocols.
The speakers also mentioned the importance of rural tourism in providing opportunities of employment by creating an economic chain which gives a platform for craftsmen and village locals to showcase the tourism and cultural potential as additions to existing tourism locales.
The year 2021 will be promoted as ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ to boost domestic tourism.