Distinguished personalities of Kashmir’s tourism sector felicitated

Srinagar, Aug 25: The Maaji Deedar Group, a holistic friendship initiative of Iconic Tour Operators of Kashmir (ITOK), organized its inaugural function at RAMADA Encore to honour influential personalities and unsung heroes in the tourism sector.

The event, led by Chief Patron Showkat Ahmad Pakhtoon, brought together prominent figures including Javed Tenga, President of KCC&I; Mushtaq Chaya, Chairman of J&K Hoteliers Club; Gowhar Maqbool, President of KHARA & KHAROF Combine; and Manzoor Wangnoo, Chairman of NTTA & NLCO.

Discussions at the event centred on the protection and preservation of natural resources. Several individuals were honoured for their contributions to the tourism sector. Manzoor A Wangnoo was recognised for his efforts in restoring water bodies.

Posthumous honors were given to Late Haji Abdul Khaliq Wangnoo for his leadership in tourism, Late Haji Ghulam Mohammad Pakhtoon for his contributions to the houseboat industry, and Late Haji Ghulam Ahmad Siah for his entrepreneurship in tourism. Their honors were received by their respective sons.

Javed Aslam Khan, a veteran tourism player with 47 years of experience, was honored for his outstanding contribution to the tourism industry. Late Mohammad Hanief Kawa was posthumously recognised for his services to tourism, with the honor received by Waseem Gosani.

The event also acknowledged the contributions of unsung heroes in the tourism trade. Peer Abdul Majeed was honoured for his leisure and adventure services, while Mohammad Shabaan Dunoo was recognized for his adventure services rendered to the tourism trade.

The function concluded with a vote of thanks to all dignitaries and the RAMADA Encore team, particularly MD Atif and his team, for excellently hosting the event. This inaugural function of the Maaji Deedar Group marks a significant step in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of various individuals to Kashmir's tourism industry.