 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 22: A significant meeting of the Tourism Federation of Jammu was convened to deliberate upon the prevailing situation in Jammu and its impact on the tourism sector, which forms a vital pillar of the region's economy and livelihood.
The meeting was chaired by Chairman Rajesh Gupta and attended by executive members Kiran Wattal, Amrik Singh, B.B. Kotwal, Abhay Bakaya, Ajay Gupta, Nishant Gupta, Gurmeet Singh, and Harish Gupta. The members held detailed discussions on the challenges being faced by the tourism industry and explored measures aimed at strengthening Jammu's connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
During the meeting, the members extended their heartfelt appreciation to the airport authorities for the ongoing renovation and modernization works at Jammu Airport. The Federation observed that the upgraded infrastructure reflects a positive step towards enhancing the travel experience of visitors and boosting tourism potential in the Jammu region.
The Federation members expressed optimism and eagerness regarding the proposed expansion of the airport and strongly emphasized the urgent need for improved air connectivity. They highlighted that Jammu witnesses the arrival of nearly one crore visitors annually, including pilgrims, tourists, business travelers, and people visiting the region for various purposes. Despite such significant footfall, Jammu still lacks adequate direct air connectivity with several major metropolitan and tourist cities across the country.
The members collectively demanded that additional flights be introduced from Jammu and that direct flight services to all major cities of India be initiated at the earliest. They further stressed that after the completion of the airport expansion project, Jammu Airport should be made operational round-the-clock on a 24-hour basis to cater to the increasing passenger traffic and growing tourism demands.
The Federation also strongly advocated for granting international airport status to Jammu Airport, stating that such a move would significantly enhance tourism, trade, pilgrimage travel, and economic growth in the entire Jammu region. The members remarked that Jammu, being the gateway to prominent religious and tourist destinations, deserves world-class aviation infrastructure and global connectivity.
Additionally, the Federation demanded the introduction of intercity air connectivity from Jammu to various tourist destinations within the region to facilitate easier and faster movement of tourists. The members stated that improved regional connectivity would greatly benefit local tourism stakeholders, hoteliers, transporters, traders, and allied sectors dependent on tourism activities.
Reaffirming its commitment towards the welfare and advancement of the tourism industry, the Tourism Federation of Jammu stated that it has always worked tirelessly for the betterment of the tourism sector and will continue to raise issues and concerns affecting tourism stakeholders and the people associated with this important industry.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to continue pursuing developmental initiatives and policy interventions aimed at promoting Jammu as a major tourism and travel hub of the country. |
