Directorate of Tourism Jammu unveils New Year Plans, National-Level Competitions

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Directorate of Tourism Jammu conducted a press conference at the Director’s Office in Jammu, revealing exciting plans for the new year and national-level competitions launched by the Ministry of Tourism, GOI. Director Tourism, Vivekand Rai, addressed the media, unveiling upcoming year plans.
Inviting all to partake, he highlighted the highly-anticipated winter fest at Patnitop, featuring a diverse range of adventure activities and providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents. The event will feature a mesmerizing performance by Punjabi sensations Sangram Hajra and Sultana from the Nooran Sisters combo, Rai said.
He also shared details about the ongoing Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival, which commenced yesterday to resounding acclaim.
Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, while sharing the new year plans of the Directorate, also added that the Central Nodal Agency for Sustainable Tourism (CN-SAT) under the aegis of Ministry of Tourism GOI’s “Travel for Life – Case Study competition and “Tourism for Tomorrow” competition, on sustainable.tourism.gov.in inviting participation from public sector organizations, private stakeholders, and universities.
The competition categories include Green Tourism, digitization skills, Tourism MSME, and destination management, aiming to identify national best practices for the tourism sector, Sunaina said adding that shortlisted case studies will be featured on the Sustainable Tourism Website of the Ministry of Tourism GoI, and selected entries will be included in a national compendium.
Other competitions wherein the participants can participate are on “Best Rural Tourism Village” and “Best Homestay Facilities,” with a submission deadline of January 31st on rural.tourism.gov.in.
Further enhancing the festive spirit, it was announced during the press conference that the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, in collaboration with M/s. Atlas Management Company, is set to enchant the audience with the Fulkaari event at Acquaplex Crown on a floating stage near Bagh-e-Bahu.
Renowned Punjabi singer Shibjot will grace the stage on the night of December 31st, promising a spectacular start to the new year celebration. Dy. Director Tourism, Dr. Umesh Shan, was also present at the occasion.
Additionally, the second day of the Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival in the picturesque Jai Valley witnessed a significant surge in tourist influx, substantially boosting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Against the backdrop of lush green meadows and breathtaking landscapes, the festival featured traditional celebrations, cultural performances, local cuisine showcases, and various outdoor sports activities, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Bal Krishan, CEO BDA, Dalmir Ch, Deputy Director Tourism, and Abdul Jabbar, actively engaged with tourists, encouraging them to appreciate the pristine beauty while embracing sustainable tourism practices. Also present were Addl SP Bhaderwah, Vinod Shama, and Assistant Director Tourism NHW Batote, Mohd. Arif Lone.
The following two days (29-30 Dec) at Guldanda will feature a range of winter sports, including skiing, snowman-making competition, sledging, snow games, and cultural performances by local artists. The event will culminate on the 31st with performances by artists of art, culture, and languages, along with the renowned celebrity singer “Kaka”. Promotion for the event has also been undertaken by first local female auto driver Meenakshi and others who were recently commended by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha during his last Awaam ki Awaz.