Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Dec 4: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today hoped return of foreign tourist to Kashmir as the international events like ‘Tour-De-India’ in which large number of foreigners today took part on the banks of Dal Lake will dispel the fears among foreign tourists regarding the Valley.
While flagging off the ‘Tour-De-India’ cycling event in which cyclists from several countries took part on the banks of Dal Lake, Chief Minister said: “There was a time when we could not even imagine hosting domestic events.”
He said that his Government wants to showcase Kashmir in a new style in an effort to woo more tourists. “Many countries like Japan and Britain have already modified travel advisories. Our effort is to present the beauty of Kashmir in a new style. Kashmir is the best destination for adventure tourism, be it skiing or white water rafting.”
Omar said: “We have succeeded in our efforts to some extent and our work in this direction continues. The lifting of travel advisories and events like this are certain to give further boost to tourism in the State.”
The Chief Minister said that there is an immense scope for adventure tourism. “Through today’s event we want to show that there is scope to play host to competitive as well as recreational cycling,” he added.
Asserting that Tour-De-India would put Kashmir on the cycling map, Omar said: “Initially, I was sceptical about holding this event as cycling is not a traditional sports here. Youngsters seldom look beyond cricket but now I must compliment the organisers.”
The Chief Minister said that the participation of cyclists from oversees in the event will develop confidence of situation in them they feel in the State at present. “This would in turn results in visit of lovers of beauty and adventure to the State besides conventional tourists”, he added.
Omar also expressed satisfaction that the Valley, where sporting and tourism activities had taken a hit after the eruption of militancy in the State, was now hosting international events.
Cyclists from Thailand, UAE, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ireland and other oversees countries are participating in the event that started at Mumbai last week, was flagged off from Srinagar today and will move further from Noida UP to other parts of the country in its third leg.
The event was organised by the Union Sports Ministry, State Government and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI).
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel