Excelsior Correspondent
MARDID, Feb 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has requested the Government of Spain to lift the negative travel advisory issued to its citizens against visiting the State as the situation here has improved considerably.
The request to lift the advisory was made by Tourism Minister Ghulam Ahmad Mir during his meeting with Spanish Tourism Officers here on Friday.
The Minister during his meetings and interaction received positive response from the Spanish functionaries and hoped that Government of Spain would also lift the negative travel advisory and allow its citizens to visit and avail holidays in mesmerizing tourist destination of the State.
The Tourism Minister along with the officers of Tourism Department is on the 4-day visit of Spain, where they represent the State in International Trade and Travel Event to showcase the world famous tourism potential of the Jammu and Kashmir.
The State Government has installed various stalls depicting varied tourism potential of all the regions of the State, besides publicity counters to familiarize the participants about serene beauty of spots, besides adventure, heritage and spiritual tourism of Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation will also utilize the trip as promotional campaign in the cities of Spain and motivate Spanish people about the innovative measures taken by the State Government for developing new destinations like Yousmarg, Doodpatheri, Lolab- Bangus valley, Mughal road etc., besides creating of world class tourism infrastructure with focus on development of new attraction like gondola riding and eco- tourism.
The Minister said lifting of the negative travel advisory by Spain will also attract tourists from Commonwealth countries like Australia, Newzeland and Canada to visit Kashmir.
The Tourism Minister said the Spain is known for its romantic flavor and Kashmir is the destination for romance.” We offer a beautiful blend of natural beauty and hospitality. Kashmir has lots of adventure activities in winter whereas Gulmarg is one of the key destinations offering Skiing, Heli-skiing, Gondola and many more. Similarly for spring, we are blessed with flowers and one of the major attractions is the Tulip garden in spring at Srinagar”, he said.
The Minister assured Spanish functionaries that Kashmir is as safe as Spain or for that matter any other country in Europe.