Srinagar: Buoyed by the World Craft City title, Jammu and Kashmir government has embarked on a journey to transform Shahr-e-Khas into a major tourist hub.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Mahmood Ahmad Shah told The Kashmir Monitor that Srinagar city will now offer a rich craft experience to the tourists after thorough promotion by the government.
“We have been holding craft safaris in Srinagar city, which was aimed at showcasing the rich craft of downtown. Now, more such activities will be held so that tourists get a first-hand account of Kashmir’s rich culture,” he said.
Shah said queries regarding the old city tours have significantly improved after the city bagged the ‘World Craft City ‘title.
“Queries are coming in large numbers. People across the globe want to experience the craft of Kashmir. Till now Srinagar was being promoted as a physical destination, now it is being promoted as a craft city, which has a scope to attract more and more history lovers,” he said.
Shah informed that the city will be awarded the certificate of ‘World Craft City’ on Wednesday at SKICC.
Musadiq Shah, senior vice president, Kashmir Pashmina Organisation said the activities in the city’s craft hotbeds have improved after Srinagar’s ‘World Craft City’ recognition.
“It is going to be a game changer as Srinagar will become an abode of artists and designers like Jaipur. Since the city bagged this prestigious title, people especially foreigners are visiting the downtown area to explore the vernacular art of Kashmir, ” he said.
Musadiq said they expect the flow of foreign delegations for the global promotion of Srinagar city. “The city needs further promotion. Delegation needs to visit here so that they spread word of mouth regarding the city’s rich heritage and craft in their respective countries,” he said.
Meanwhile, travel agents also claimed that they have included city tours in their packages to promote the city. “Tourists often visit downtown. We suggest tourists explore the city given its unique blend of architecture and craft,” said Rouf Tramboo, President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir.
