KU concludes national conference focusing on GI, tourism and destination branding

Srinagar Sep 18: The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies (DTHLS), University of Kashmir (KU), successfully concluded a two-day national conference on “From Heritage to Hospitality: Geographical Indications, Tourism and Destination Identity” at the Main Campus.
Organised in collaboration with Property Pro Legal and Hastin Research, the conference aimed to examine the role of Geographical Indications (GIs), traditional products and cultural heritage in strengthening tourism, supporting local livelihoods and shaping distinctive destination identities.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “Our heritage and traditional products are not only part of our cultural identity but also have the potential to create opportunities for local communities and strengthen sustainable tourism.”
She emphasised the need for greater academic and industry engagement to understand how heritage resources and GI-tagged products can be effectively connected with tourism and local economic development.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada said that the conference provided an important platform for discussing the relationship between heritage, tourism and regional development.
Dean, School of Business Studies KU, Prof. Mushtaq A. Darzi, highlighted the economic and entrepreneurial dimensions of GI products and the need to connect traditional knowledge and local products with contemporary markets.
Sanjay Bafna, Collaborating Partner and Founder & Director, Property Pro Legal and Hastin Research, noted the importance of protecting, promoting and effectively communicating the identity and value of geographically distinctive products.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Head, DTHLS KU, Dr. Reyaz Ahmad Qureshi, said that the conference sought to bring together academic, industry and field perspectives on the ways in which heritage and GI products can contribute to tourism development and destination identity.
The two-day conference featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical sessions and research paper presentations covering various aspects of Geographical Indications, heritage tourism, destination branding, traditional products, community participation and sustainable tourism. It also included field visit tracks to the Pampore Saffron Fields, Kanihama Village for Kani Shawl heritage, the Downtown Craft Heritage Trail and Dal Lake, allowing participants to engage directly with the region’s cultural and tourism resources.
Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar, faculty, DTHLS KU, proposed the formal vote of thanks.