J&K will once again see a surge of tourists: Tourism Minister
The scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, often referred to as the “Heaven on Earth”, has been a major tourist attraction for decades. The region’s stunning landscapes, picturesque lakes, and majestic mountains have captivated the hearts of millions of travelers from around the world. However, a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam last year had a significant impact on the tourism industry in the region. The attack not only resulted in loss of human life but also led to a decline in tourist arrivals, affecting the local economy.
However, in a recent development, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir will once again see a surge of tourists. Shekhawat made these remarks during a two-day visit to the region, where he met with local authorities and tourism stakeholders to discuss the current state of the industry.
According to the Minister, the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government have been working together to revive the tourism industry in the region. Shekhawat stated that the efforts of the Centre and the state government have started to bear fruit, with tourism activities in the region now starting to pick up.
The Pahalgam terrorist attack, which took place in August last year, had left a deep impact on the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which targeted tourists, resulted in the loss of several human lives and left many more injured. In the aftermath of the attack, many tourists cancelled their plans to visit the region, leading to a significant decline in tourist arrivals.
However, with the Centre and the state government working together to ensure the safety and security of tourists, the region is now ready to welcome visitors once again. Shekhawat’s comments are seen as a positive sign for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a significant contributor to the region’s economy.
The tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir is not only a major source of employment for the local population but also generates significant revenue for the region. The region is home to several popular tourist destinations, including the Valley of Flowers, the Pahalgam Valley, and the Sonmarg Valley, among others. These destinations attract tourists from around the world, who come to experience the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.
The Centre and the state government have taken several steps to revive the tourism industry in the region. These include increasing the deployment of security personnel at tourist destinations, improving the infrastructure, and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In addition, the government has also launched several initiatives to promote tourism in the region. These include the “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Programme”, which aims to promote tourism in the region by developing infrastructure, improving the quality of services, and promoting the region’s cultural heritage.
The programme, which was launched last year, has received funding of over Rs. 1,000 crore from the Centre. The programme aims to attract more tourists to the region, with a target of increasing the number of tourists visiting the region to 10 million by 2025.
The revival of the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir is not only important for the local economy but also for the region’s cultural heritage. Tourism helps to preserve the region’s cultural heritage by promoting the region’s rich history, architecture, and art.
In conclusion, the comments by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are a positive sign for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and with the Centre and the state government working together to ensure the safety and security of tourists, the region is ready to welcome visitors once again.
