The Biz Reporter
Gulmarg, Sep 18: The 17th Annual General Meeting of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) held at Gulmarg on Thursday turned into a defining moment for the travel trade as Farooq Kuthoo was elected President for the term 2025–27, bringing with him a mix of international experience, industry insight and a vision to revive the Valley’s tourism.
Kuthoo, who has worked with multinational firms at both domestic and global levels after completing his MBA from the Indian Institute of Business Administration, is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic professionals in the travel trade. His election is being seen as a turning point for TAAK at a time when the industry is reeling under the impact of the Pahalgam attack and adverse media coverage.
In his first address as President, Kuthoo struck an optimistic yet firm note.
“We have faced many challenges in the past, but we are a resilient people and industry. Our sector was hit beyond repair earlier this year, but I am confident we will bounce back stronger. For this, I urge the Tourism Department to strengthen its promotional campaigns both offline and online, so that Kashmir’s true image reaches the world,” he said while delivering the vote of thanks.
The AGM, held at the newly inaugurated Gulmarg Convention Centre, was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Shah, besides leading tourism stakeholders from across Jammu & Kashmir including Katra, Kargil and Chenab Valley.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised TAAK for its consistent efforts in promoting Kashmir tourism. “We will always remember that the first programme at the Gulmarg Convention Centre was TAAK’s AGM. The government stands shoulder to shoulder with the tourism fraternity in reviving this vital sector,” he said.
Alongside Kuthoo, the new office bearers elected include Habibullah Pandow (Vice President), Sajad Kralyari (Secretary General), Ajaz Hussain (Secretary Finance), Nadeem Bukhari (Joint Secretary), Mubarik Sofi (Chief Organiser) and Irshad Parray (Publicity Secretary).
The AGM also honoured Dr. Mushtaq Chaya with the Manzoor Sidiq Memorial Award 2025 for his contribution to the tourism industry, while senior journalist Yusuf Jameel was felicitated for his immense role in journalism and tourism promotion.
Outgoing President Rauf Tramboo, in his farewell remarks, lauded TAAK’s decades-long role in promoting J&K’s tourism potential across the country and abroad.
With Farooq Kuthoo at the helm, the tourism fraternity is hopeful of a more professional, innovative and resilient approach to the challenges confronting the sector.
