The Association represents a wide cross-section of the tourism sector, including travel agents, hoteliers, houseboat owners, tour guides and other allied tourism businesses and service providers, providing a common platform for stakeholders committed to the sustainable growth of tourism in the region.
Speaking on the need to make sustainability an integral part of Kashmir’s tourism strategy, Sameer Baktoo, President, Ecotourism Association of Kashmir, said that ecotourism and responsible tourism are the future of Kashmir.
“Kashmir is an ecologically fragile region, and our tourism industry is fundamentally dependent on its natural environment. Our mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, meadows and landscapes are not only our greatest assets but the very foundation of Kashmir tourism. If we want tourism to flourish for generations, we must ensure that our tourism practices protect and preserve the environment,” said Sameer Baktoo.
Baktoo said that Kashmir’s tourism industry is gradually and decisively moving towards responsible tourism practices, and there is an urgent need to complement this transformation with greater awareness, stakeholder participation and appropriate policy interventions.
He emphasised that the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir is working towards creating greater awareness about responsible tourism, sustainable tourism and ecotourism, while also advocating for policies that can help establish Kashmir as a leading destination for environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism.
As part of this initiative, the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir is set to organise a historic Eco-Tourism Conclave and Exhibition under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah, aimed at bringing together government departments, tourism stakeholders, environmental experts, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders on a common platform.
Baktoo said that the Association has already held discussions with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah, regarding the proposed Eco-Tourism Conclave and Exhibition and the broader vision of promoting ecotourism and responsible tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Hon’ble Chief Minister appreciated the initiative and acknowledged the importance of promoting ecotourism and responsible tourism as part of the future growth and development of the tourism sector.
Baktoo further announced that delegates from different parts of the country are being invited to participate in the conclave, making it a truly national platform for dialogue, collaboration and exchange of ideas on sustainable tourism.
“We are inviting delegates from different parts of the country to be part of this historic conclave. Our vision is not simply to organise an event, but to create a meaningful platform that can shape the future of responsible tourism. We want to make Kashmir a leading ecotourism and responsible tourism model for the rest of the country,” Baktoo said.
He added that the proposed conclave will provide an opportunity for experts, policymakers, tourism professionals and stakeholders from across India to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore practical solutions for making tourism more environmentally responsible.
“The proposed Eco-Tourism Conclave and Exhibition will be an important platform to initiate meaningful dialogue on how Kashmir can develop tourism while protecting its ecological wealth. We want to bring all stakeholders together and move from discussion to practical action, awareness and policy,” Baktoo said.
The Association reiterated that tourism growth and environmental conservation must go hand in hand, and that responsible tourism should not remain merely a concept but become an integral part of tourism planning, business practices and visitor behaviour across Jammu and Kashmir.
The message from the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir is clear: Kashmir’s greatest tourism asset is its nature, and protecting that nature is the responsibility of everyone who benefits from it.
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