SRINAGAR: Reiterating the commitment of the government to promote the unexplored tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar has said J and K’s tourism potential has immense scope for growth and the same would be fully harnessed through multifaceted approach.
Addressing dignitaries at “J and K Travel Mart-2015” being organised by the Tourism Department at SKICC here, the minister said the government will focus on the promotion of eco-tourism, village tourism, adventure tourism and heritage tourism, which have remained unexplored. He said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has already expressed his commitment to promote all the unexplored areas of tourism potential across the State and a roadmap for the same has already been given shape.
Seeking help of all stakeholders to make Jammu and Kashmir the most preferred tourism destination, the minister said the government will create conducive environment for all categories of tourist players. He said the Chief Minister himself visited Mumbai to invite the film makers to re-invent Kashmir for shooting, for which the government will facilitate them fully. He said Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Yousmarg are the world famous tourist destinations, which will be further equipped with high-end tourism infrastructure.
Referring to the unexplored potential of Srinagar city, Naeem said that Srinagar is the goldmine of unexplored heritage tourism where age old shrines of Sufi saints are existing in their original form. The government will focus on developing heritage, village, adventure and eco-tourism with the active involvement of local people. The move will attract large number of tourists from various parts of the world, which will give a boost to the economic activities as also generate job opportunities, said the minister.
Giving details about the event, Director Tourism, Kashmir, Farooq Shah said in the 3-day J and K Travel Mart, over 180 domestic and 20 international buyers are participating and have put up their informative outlets. He hoped that the event will open new avenues for the stakeholders in promotion of tourism and Valley will witness influx of tourists throughout the year.