The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) held its 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Saturday, drawing a large gathering of members from across the Valley. The event, which brought together key figures from local and national travel trade associations, tour operators, hoteliers, and houseboat owners, focused on promoting the growth and sustainability of the region’s tourism industry.
The AGM opened with an address by TAAK President Rauf A. Tramboo, who underscored the need to decongest popular tourist spots by promoting lesser-known destinations. Tramboo emphasized that diversifying Kashmir’s tourism offerings would not only enrich visitor experiences but also protect the region’s natural beauty. He urged members to adopt ethical business practices and act as responsible ambassadors for tourism, asserting that the industry thrives when it works harmoniously with the environment and local communities.
“Our association remains committed to making Jammu and Kashmir a welcoming and tourist-friendly haven,” said Tramboo, reaffirming TAAK’s dedication to fostering a sustainable tourism industry.
Following the president’s speech, Secretary General Sajad Ahmad Kralyari presented the Annual General Report, which outlined the association’s accomplishments over the past year. Kralyari highlighted TAAK’s efforts in promoting Kashmir’s unique tourism products both within India and abroad, spotlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The report emphasized the strides made in marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships that have expanded the reach of Kashmir’s tourism industry.
Past President Farooq A. Kuthoo, who hosted the event, reiterated the importance of responsible tourism and collaboration among all stakeholders. He stressed the collective responsibility of preserving Kashmir’s natural and cultural resources for future generations, aligning with TAAK’s long-standing mission of promoting sustainable tourism.
A key moment of the AGM was the unanimous adoption of a resolution proposed by Past President Ashfaq Sidiq, advocating for the principle of “one association, one office bearer or EC member.” This resolution was warmly received by members, who hailed it as a step toward strengthening governance within the tourism industry.
The event also honored the achievements of prominent industry figures. Renowned hotelier Zahoor Ahmad Tramboo was presented with the prestigious Manzoor Siddiq Memorial Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism sector. The award, presented by Chief Guest Ghulam Mohamad Dug, is named after the late Manzoor Siddiq, whose legacy continues to inspire the region’s tourism professionals. In his acceptance speech, Zahoor Ahmad expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised TAAK’s relentless efforts to boost tourism in the Valley.
Chief Guest GM Dug lauded the resilience of Kashmir’s tourism industry, which has weathered numerous challenges thanks to the commitment of the region’s travel trade fraternity. He called on the administration to provide financial support to enhance tourism infrastructure and urged the government to facilitate the renewal of registrations for existing tourism units, ensuring they have the resources necessary for modernization.
The AGM featured several other prominent speakers, including Gowhar Maqbool, President of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association, and Nasir Ahmad Shah, Chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (J&K Chapter), among others. Each speaker echoed the central themes of sustainability, collaboration, and responsible tourism, emphasizing the need for continued unity within the industry to ensure its future growth.
