Manzoor Wangnoo re-elected as NTTA chairman at 8th AGM

Srinagar, Dec 7: The Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) convened its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections today at Nishat, where Manzoor Wangnoo was re-elected as the Chairman of NTTA.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister of J&K, Satish Sharma, as the Chief Guest, with MLAs Tanvir Sadiq and Salman Sagar as Guests of Honour. Senior bureaucrats, hoteliers, travel trade professionals, civil society members, media representatives, and academicians were also in attendance, marking the significance of the occasion.

In his address, Wangnoo expressed sincere gratitude to the NTTA members for reposing their trust in his leadership. “This re-election motivates me to work even harder for the welfare of our fraternity and to promote the tourism sector. I congratulate the newly elected office bearers and welcome the new members whose participation will undoubtedly strengthen our association’s mission,” he said.

He further added that environment and tourism are related and for sustainable tourism, we have to work to save our natural resources, especially lakes, wetlands, waterways and springs.

The AGM focused on the theme of Sustainable Tourism, emphasising the vital link between environmental conservation and tourism growth. The Cabinet Minister assured full support in resolving the issues faced by the sector and highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices. Both the MLA’s also assured their full support towards the objective. Attendees also pledged to work collectively toward responsible tourism, with the shared understanding that a thriving environment is integral to the success of tourism.

Among those who were awarded for environmental conservation included Waseem Raja (Additional Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department), Mushtaq Chaya (Chairman Hoteliers Club), Ghulam Rasool Siah (former Chairman KHBOA), M. Saleem Beigh (former DG Tourism), Dr GN Qasba (former SMC Commissioner), Farooq Gillani IFS (retd.) former chief conservator forests, G N Var President Private School’s Association, Dr Raja Muzaffar RTI activist, Rauf Tramboo President TAAK, Dr Reyaz Qureshi HoD university of Kashmir Dept of tourism studies, Dr Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar Associate Professor Dept of tourism studies, Er Abdul Rashid Bhat university of Kashmir, Arif Shafi Wani Executive Editor Greater Kashmir, Jan Sahib UTTA, Dr Rouf ur Rafiq Social activist, Manzoor Pakhtoon President KHBOA, Aqib Chaya President Hoteliers Club Gulmarg. Dr Tauseef Bhat who was the anchor at the event. He also thanked the patronage & guidance of NTTA MC members especially Zahoor Qari and Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmad.

Wangnoo extended his thanks to all who attended and contributed to the success of the AGM. “With collective effort, we can ensure Kashmir’s tourism sector reaches new heights while safeguarding its fragile ecosystem,” he concluded.