The Biz Reporter
Hyderabad, Feb 12: The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) on Wednesday organised an exclusive B2B Networking Meet in Hyderabad, marking a significant step towards strengthening tourism collaboration between Jammu & Kashmir and southern India.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from leading travel professionals and representatives of prominent travel associations from Hyderabad and Telangana, reflecting growing interest in Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism offerings among southern states.
Among the distinguished attendees were NSN Mohan, Vice President, Skål International; Hari Krishan Valmiki, Deputy Auditor, Skål International; Avneet Sonthalia, Secretary, Skål Hyderabad; Nagesh Pampati, Chairman, TAAI Telangana & Andhra Pradesh; Liaqat Ali, President, Travel Operators Association of Telangana (TOAT); Sujana Kumar, Vice President, TOAT; Siraj Ansari, Head, United Federation of Travel & Tourism Chambers of Commerce (UFTCC); and Irfan Ali, President, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Hyderabad.
The event was inaugurated by TAAK President Farooq Kuthoo, who highlighted tourism as a catalyst for regional economic growth and cultural exchange. He emphasised the immense potential for both regions to benefit from stronger partnerships in the tourism sector.
Kuthoo underscored the unparalleled appeal of Kashmir as a destination for leisure, honeymoon, and adventure tourism, noting that the region offers a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors. He also revealed that interactions were held with stakeholders and members of the film fraternity, who expressed keen interest in shooting films in Kashmir’s scenic landscapes.
“This further strengthens Kashmir’s position as a premier destination not only for tourism but also for film production,” he said.
The B2B meet focused on diverse tourism segments, including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), leisure travel, honeymoon tourism, and adventure tourism. Travel agents, tour operators, and stakeholders from Hyderabad and nearby regions discussed emerging travel trends, innovative tour packages, and sustainable tourism practices while building new business linkages.
Sajad Ahmad Kralyari, Secretary General, TAAK, expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the initiative, stating that such engagements are crucial for unlocking new opportunities for mutual growth between Kashmir and Telangana/Andhra Pradesh, strengthening trade relations, and enhancing tourist inflow.
The event was also attended by Manvi, General Manager – Marketing & PR, Water Fleet & Finance, Telangana Tourism, who assured full support in bringing together travel partners from Kashmir and Hyderabad to promote stronger tourism collaboration.
From Jammu & Kashmir Tourism, Mohammad Sajid Kirmani, Tourist Officer, Hyderabad, interacted with travel agents and visiting delegates. The department also distributed promotional material showcasing Kashmir’s diverse tourism products and experiences.
The B2B networking meet reflects TAAK’s continued efforts to build a sustainable and thriving tourism ecosystem through meaningful collaborations across India. The association expressed confidence that the partnerships forged during the event will significantly contribute to increasing tourist arrivals from southern India to Kashmir.
TAAK said it will continue organising similar engagements nationwide to further strengthen Kashmir’s position as one of India’s most sought-after tourism destinations.
