J&K will once again see a surge of tourists: Tourism Minister
In a heartening development for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has announced that the region is set to witness a significant surge in tourist arrivals. The minister made this statement during his recent two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, where he interacted with local stakeholders and business owners.
The Pahalgam terrorist attack in May 2021 had dealt a severe blow to the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, with many tourists opting out of visiting the region due to security concerns. However, with the efforts of the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government, tourism activities have slowly started to pick up pace once again.
During his visit, Shekhawat met with local tourism operators, hoteliers, and other stakeholders to discuss the current state of the industry and the measures being taken to revive it. He expressed confidence that the region will soon see a significant increase in tourist arrivals, citing the numerous initiatives being taken by the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government to promote tourism in the region.
“We had a meeting with the local stakeholders, and they shared with me the challenges they are facing. But I have told them that we are committed to supporting the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pahalgam terrorist attack had badly hit tourism in the region, but with our efforts, tourism activities have now started again,” Shekhawat said.
The minister’s statement is a welcome relief for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been facing a turbulent period in recent years. The region’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to the local economy, and any decline in tourist arrivals can have serious economic implications.
The Pahalgam terrorist attack had not only dealt a blow to the tourism industry but also had a significant impact on the local economy. The attack had led to a decline in tourist arrivals, resulting in a significant loss of revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
However, with the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government working together to revive the tourism industry, things are slowly starting to look up. The region is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine natural landscapes in the country, and its tourism industry has the potential to be a major source of revenue.
Shekhawat’s statement has also sent a positive signal to tourists who were considering visiting Jammu and Kashmir but had been deterred by the security concerns. The minister’s assurance that the region is safe and that tourism activities are back on track is likely to boost tourist confidence and encourage more people to visit the region.
The Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government have taken several initiatives to promote tourism in the region. These include the development of new tourist infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities. The government has also launched several schemes to promote tourism, including the “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Scheme”, which aims to promote tourism in the region and create employment opportunities for local youth.
In addition, the government has also taken steps to improve the security situation in the region, which has helped to boost tourist confidence. The deployment of additional security forces in tourist areas and the establishment of a dedicated tourist police force are some of the measures that have been taken to ensure the safety and security of tourists.
The resurgence of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is not only good news for the local economy but also for the region’s cultural heritage. The region is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back thousands of years. The region’s cultural heritage is an important part of its tourism appeal, and the resurgence of tourism is likely to help preserve and promote this heritage.
In conclusion, the statement by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat that Jammu and Kashmir will once again see a surge of tourists is a welcome development for the region’s tourism industry. The Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government have taken several initiatives to promote tourism in the region, and the deployment of additional security forces has helped to boost tourist confidence. With the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Jammu and Kashmir is poised to once again become a popular tourist destination.
