Srinagar, Oct 31 (HS): Jammu and Kashmir Tourism has won two awards at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) in Mumbai, being named the Best Adventure Tourism Destination and the Best Experiential Tourism Destination, an official spokesperson said.

The awards were received on behalf of the Department of Tourism by Waseem Raja, Joint Director, Tourism Kashmir, the spokesperson said. He said they reflect the growing popularity of J&K among domestic travellers and its reputation as a destination for adventure, nature-based and experiential tourism.

IITM is a tourism promotion event held in different states, bringing tourism departments, travel operators and other industry stakeholders onto a common platform, the spokesperson said. J&K Tourism took part alongside several states, including Gujarat and Telangana, and private tourism stakeholders.

According to the spokesperson, the J&K pavilion drew an overwhelming response from tour operators, travel agents and other tourism stakeholders from Maharashtra. Hundreds of visitors reportedly visited it during the two-day event, showing keen interest in the travel experiences on offer in J&K.

The J&K delegation comprised Raja and Vivek Puri, Chief Executive Officer of the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority. During the event, they held detailed meetings with prominent tour operators and tourism stakeholders from Maharashtra to explore ways of strengthening tourism promotion, expanding travel partnerships and attracting more visitors to J&K, the spokesperson said.

He said the double recognition is expected to further enhance J&K’s visibility in the national tourism market and strengthen its position as a preferred destination for adventure, nature-based and experiential tourism.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat