SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has asked the Tourism Department to set up a state-of-the-art clubhouse in the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg to position it as a premier destination for corporate conventions.
“Moving a step closer in positioning Gulmarg as a premier destination for corporate conventions in the State, the Chief Minister issued directions for setting up of a state-of-the-art clubhouse with all built-in modern facilities for high-end tourists,” an official spokesman said.
He said the chief minister issued these directions while chairing a review meeting which discussed the follow up action on the earlier directions passed by him to make Gulmarg a high-end all-season tourist resort.
The Chief Minister directed Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, to prepare a detailed concept plan for establishing a high-end club to boost MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism at Gulmarg so that the work on the project can commence at an earliest.
The proposed Gulmarg Clubhouse will be constructed by the Tourism Development Corporation and will have all ultramodern facilities of conference, convention halls, theatre, pools, gymnasium, sports and children smart zones, besides suites, the spokesman said.
Sayeed also ordered setting up of an Artisan Centre at the resort to showcase the state’s finest handicraft and present live demos of how exquisite items are made by our skilled craftsmen.
Placing high priority on improving the resort’s top-end intake capacity, the Chief Minister stressed upon the Tourism Department to also conceive plans for building five-star accommodation for high-end tourists.
“Gulmarg is an all-season destination and MICE tourism will bring in A-listers to the state’s premier resort,” he said. . The Chief Minister also directed Chief Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B), to fully upgrade Gulmarg-Tangmarg and Narbal-Tangmarg Roads under Tourist Destination Program of the Public Works Department.
On the instructions of the Chief Minister, all roads earlier maintained by Tourist Development Authorities in their respective jurisdictions have been transferred to R&B for its regular upkeep.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing restoration work at Maharaja Palace, which is being revived to its pristine glory by GDA. INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) is providing vital inputs to preserve its heritage value, the spokesman said. -PTI
