J&K High On Tourism, Aims To Revive More Resorts

Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Tourism, is on a take-off stage and by the looks of the tourism inflow, there is no stopping the state. The state government’s support has only enhanced the tourism fortunes of the state. Anil Goswami, principal secretary, tourism, government of J&K and M Saleem Beg, director general, J&K tourism tell Reema Sisodia about the future plans of the state

The year 2004 proved to be extremely encouraging for J&K tourism, wherein the state recorded approximately four lakh tourists. J&K has embarked on a concerted campaign of reviving tourism to the Kashmir valley. The tourism arrival to the valley, registered on increase of 280 per cent, that is from 1. 25 lakh in 2003 to 3.50 lakh in 2004. Gaining inspiration from 2004, the state has concrete plans to further boost tourism in 2005. The state government undertook a series of concrete steps towards this end. Following are some of the major initiates taken in this regard namely,

• Representatives of private sector were sponsored to various travel marts and exhibitions for aggressive promotion of tourism in the changed situation
• Pilgrimage to Amarnathji Yatra was well organised, which gave further impetus to tourist traffic. During the year 2003, 1.53 lakh pilgrims had Darshan in the Holy Cave and in 2004 this figure jumped to over four lakh
• In order to further publicise the attractions of the state through-out the world, the department set up a website on the internet and provided internet connectivity to most of their offices across India
• The present government, has accorded highest priority for the revival of tourism. The chief minister had a series of meeting in and outside the state with the various captains of travel trade of the country, government functionaries of various states and national corporate bodies, which resulted in the following,

a) A large number of Parliamentary delegations have visited Kashmir during 2003 and continued through 2004.

b) The conference of the chief ministers of Congress ruled states was held in the Kashmir.

c) The inter-state council meeting was held in Srinagar for the first time outside New Delhi. The tourism department hosted the National Winter Games-2004 at Gulmarg. These games have received unprecedented publicity through print and electronic media within and outside the country. This publicity has helped in establishing capability of the state in providing high quality infrastructure, organisational support and security to participants and sports lovers.

d) The state government on its own has revived infrastructure in the main resorts of Gulmarg and Pahalgam. The state also plans to revive some of the frequented resorts such as Verinag, Kokernag, Aharbal, Achabal and Yousmarg. These properties were gutted because of militancy and due to lack of infrastructure in the past, no concrete work could be done in these places.

e) J&K Tourism participated in major international Travel Marts such as WTM, London-2003 & 2004, PATA Travel Mart-Singapore etc.