Govt committed to explore virgin tourism destinations: Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar

Jammu : Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr Ramesh Kumar has said that special impetus is being laid on exploring the virgin tourism destinations of the Jammu region with thrust on harnessing fully the power of pilgrim tourism. “Jammu is not just a geographical location but a treasure trove of cultural and spiritual heritage”, the Divisional Commissioner said while addressing the gathering of Hospitality and Tourism Industry Captains of Jammu & Kashmir at Take One Titan Hospitality Awards 2023 function.

He expressed satisfaction over the mega growth in the pilgrim tourism in particular, saying this has substantially unlocked the economic and cultural prosperity of this region. He referred to the influx of Kashmir and Ladakh bound tourists besides pilgrims to revered destinations like Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on Trikuta Hills, the historic Raghunath Temple, Buddha Amarnath and recently inaugurated Balaji Temple, and observed that the vibrant tapestry of traditions and rituals woven into the fabric of these sacred places makes Jammu a unique destination for spirituality seekers.

Mr Ramesh Kumar, who was the Chief Guest of the function along with, Director Tourism Jammu, Mr Vivek Anand Rai, Kunwarani Ritu Singh Founding Chairperson- FICCI FLO Jammu Kashmir Ladakh and Managing Director- Hari Niwas Hotel and Resorts, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, and former Femina Miss India United Continents, Ms Sana Dua as Guests of honours, said that to ensure tourist cum pilgrim comfort, several initiatives are underway to further strengthening the infrastructural framework, ensuring seamless connectivity to pilgrimage and adventure tourism sites, improved road networks, modern transportation facilities.

“Here comes a crucial role for the private sector, especially those engaged with the hospitality domain, to promote and sustain tourism practices”, the Divisional Commissioner said, adding that the vibrant hospitality sector of Jammu is not merely about providing accommodation; it’s about creating memorable experiences. The Divisional Commissioner hoped that the people of Jammu, especially those associated with the tourism trade, will maintain the high standards of their time tested hospitality and contribute significantly to the region’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

The awardees were Mr. M K Ajatshatru Singh, Chairman , Hari Niwas Palace⁠, ⁠Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, CMD, Grand Mumtaz Group of Hotels & Resorts, ⁠Mr. Prem N. Dewan, CMD, Devans Modern Breweries Limited, ⁠Mr. Amit Chowdhary- Director, KC Hotels Private Limited, Mr. Bhupesh Gupta- Managing Partner, Radisson Blu Hotel, Mr. Chander Gupta- Managing Director, J&K Heritage Pvt. Ltd., ⁠Mr. Rattandeep Anand, MD, Trans Asia Hotels Private Limited, Mr. Davinder Singh – Owner, Zamindara Dhaba  , Mr Ambrish Magotra- MD, The Fern Residency, Katra , Mrs. Madhurima Mahajan, Director, Blu Olive Restaurant, ⁠Mr. Sanjeev Prabhakar- MD, Sanjeev Caterers,⁠Mr. Shivang Gupta- MD, Star Zone Club, Mr. Raj Kumar- Owner, Zaika Restaurant , Mr. Arun Baru- Owner, Machail Resort, Mrs. Anuradha Bhardwaj & Mr. Vijay Kumar Menon- Partners, M/S Aroma Enterprises,⁠ Mrs. Varsha Bansal, Director- Grand Plaza Hotels Private Limited. Mr. Shriraj Bhardwaj & Mr Raj Kumar Bhardwaj, Partners, Vinod Vaishno Dhaba & M/S BMB Enterprises.

Earlier, the Executive Director & CEO of Take One Television &  Digital Network, Ms Devyani Rana while welcoming the Guests said “we gather here not just as individuals but as architects of an industry that has revolutionized the very landscape of Jammu and Kashmir”, She said the hospitality sector, over the past decades, has witnessed an incredible metamorphosis.

It has embraced diversity, welcomed change, and emerged stronger through the winds of transformation. The positive impact of this evolution is not only visible in the infrastructure around us but also in the hearts of those who have experienced the warm embrace of Jammu and Kashmir’s hospitality, she added.