‘300 new tourist destinations being developed in J&K’
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Sept 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that terror and its ecosystem had destroyed everyone while tourism is uniting all and one.
Sinha said this while inaugurating the Bungus Tourism and Adventure Festival at Bungus Valley in Kupwara district.
The LG told the gathering that years of terrorism and its eco-system destroyed and damaged almost every one while tourism is all set to unite all. “Terror and its ecosystem had given a bad name and image to J&K,” he said.
Sinha said that it’s the responsibility of the security forces to cement peace in Kashmir but locals especially their representatives have a great responsibility.
“Without peace, no development and tourism can happen. It is not only the job of security forces to cement peace but every one including locals have to play their part. Elected representatives have a great responsibility,” he said.
The LG said that everyone must work to promote tourism in J&K. “We must leave no stone unturned to ensure tourism is promoted in J&K. We want the UT to become a global tourism destination and we have been able to achieve that to a greater extent so far,” he said.
Sinha said that the Bungus festival is organised on a big scale and is a success and a great achievement. “A lot of change has happened here in the past couple of years. Tourism is part of our culture and identity,” he said.
The LG thanked all those who have come to Kashmir from different parts of the world and country. “Integrated tourism plan is being carved out. Offbeat destinations and unexplored places are being explored by visitors,” he said.
The LG said that the administration is committed to promote and explore tourist destinations. He said Bungus is fit for trekking and for those who love streams.
“Every visitor who visits Kashmir goes back with great memories. Every visitor is becoming our brand ambassador. They encourage everyone back home to visit J&K,” he said.
He added that three years ago when he joined as LG in J&K there were a lot of challenges. “Despite COVID all destinations were promoted through road shows and other means. It was ensured that these promotions reach to everyone,” he added.
The LG also said that the private sector is very important for infrastructure development. He assured that the administration is working to make J&K a best tourism destination.
“It is aimed to promote offbeat destinations. This place offers lifetime opportunities to visitors. Every effort is being ensured to help people earn livelihood. With growing home stays locals are able to earn livelihood,” he said.
He said that the G20 meeting held in Srinagar has increased tourism footfall in Kashmir. “The successful event has helped to attract more tourists from across the globe,” he added.
Sinha said that this year so far 1. 58 crore tourists have visited J&K. “It is not just a number, but rather a new beginning of the region. There is a 350 per cent increased tourist footfall compared to last year. This year record number of 2.25 figure is expected to cross,” he said.
The LG said that the Government is going to develop 300 new tourist destinations to provide variety of gateway options for domestic and foreign tourists.
“Around 300 new destinations are being developed to provide a variety of gateway options for domestic and foreign tourists filled with activities, festivals, natural scenery, shopping and B&B home-stay in picturesque and calm villages”, he said.
Sinha said several offbeat destinations of J&K are the ideal escape for travellers seeking leisurely adventures and enchanting experiences.
“From adventure, exquisite cuisine, pilgrimage, traditional handicrafts to serene mountains, Jammu Kashmir offers anything and everything to travellers”, he said.
The LG said that Bangus Adventure Festival aims to further highlight rural and adventure tourism potential of Bangus valley.
“The festival will promote tribal culture of this premier offbeat destination, provide a platform for local artisans to showcase traditional arts and crafts,” he added.
“We have completely transformed the tourism industry and J&K has been positioned as most promising destination”, he said and added “this sector will soon become engine of growth for the UT”.
Irfan Sultan Panditpori, Chairman, District Development Council Kupwara; Major General Girish Kalia GOC Vajr Division; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary Tourism Department; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara; Haji Farooq, Vice Chairman, DDC Kupwara; PRI members, senior officers, local residents and tourists in large numbers were present.
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