In a significant milestone, the Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Program inaugurated at Dara, Harwan, Srinagar
Srinagar: the Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Program inaugurated at Dara, Harwan, Srinagar, marking a collaborative effort between the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), J&K Bank through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, and the local NGO, JK Developmental Action Group. Facilitated in close partnership with the Department of Tourism J&K and foundation partner’s KPMG which was also supported by the Department of Wildlife Protection, the program aims to promote Homestay as a sustainable tribal tourism concept.
The inauguration was attended by 30 enthusiastic trainees from the Fakir Gujri and Dard Khower area of Dara, Srinagar, featured Mr. Aadil, Assistant Manager at SIDBI, as the Chief Guest. He praised the initiative for fostering sustainable tourism and empowering the local community to contribute actively to the region’s economic growth.
Distinguished speakers at the event were including Mr. Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmed, Former President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir and State Convener Responsible Tourism Society of India [RTSOI] who emphasized the role of local communities in promoting cultural heritage and pledged support to the program.
Mr. Farooq Kuthoo, Former President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, highlighted the tourism potential of the region and the transformative impact of well-managed homestays on the overall visitor experience.
Advocate Nadeem Qadri shared valuable experiences in creating green spaces and empowering local communities through sustainable initiatives. He provided legal insights, stressing the importance of a secure sustainable socio-economic and environmental development with the help of homestays and urged the program funders to incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable practices for holistic development.
Mr. Ashraf Wani from JK DAG, the training partner for the project, welcomed guests and trainees, emphasizing the need for serious dedication during the month-long training. He assured ongoing support beyond the training period.
The active participation of 30 trainees from Fakir Gujri and Dard Khower reflects the local communities eagerness to embrace sustainable entrepreneurship and contribute to regional tourism growth. The Homestay Entrepreneurship Training Program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to establish and manage successful homestay ventures.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Aadil from SIDBI commended the strong turnout of trainees, encouraging them to seize the opportunity for personal as well as professional growth and positive impact on the local economy. The collaborative efforts of government bodies, financial institutions, industry experts, and the local community position this initiative to make a significant impact on the tourism landscape in the area.
