Tourists coming back to Kashmir in good numbers: J&K CM Omar
In a heartening turn of events, the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a significant surge, with pilgrims arriving in large numbers to participate in the Amarnath Yatra. This comes as a welcome respite from the recent tragedy that shook the valley, where 26 civilians lost their lives in a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, speaking at a tourism fair in Kolkata, expressed his delight at the increasing number of tourists visiting the valley. “Tourists are coming back to Kashmir in good numbers,” he said, emphasizing the need to promote tourism in the region.
Abdullah’s comments are a clear indication that the recent attack, which sent shockwaves across the country, has not deterred tourists from visiting Kashmir. In fact, the Chief Minister is eager to attract more tourists, particularly from West Bengal, to the valley.
The attack in Pahalgam was a devastating blow to the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which had been slowly recovering from the aftermath of the 2014 floods. The attack, which was carried out by terrorists, resulted in the loss of 26 innocent lives and left many more injured.
However, it seems that the resilience of the people of Kashmir, combined with the determination of the government to promote tourism, has paid off. The Chief Minister’s statement is a clear indication that efforts to revive the tourism industry are bearing fruit.
Kashmir’s tourism sector has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including the impact of terrorism, infrastructure issues, and security concerns. However, the government has been working tirelessly to address these issues and promote the valley as a popular tourist destination.
In recent months, the government has taken several initiatives to boost tourism in the region. These include the development of new tourist infrastructure, improvement of road connectivity, and enhancement of security measures to ensure the safety of tourists.
The Amarnath Yatra, which is one of the most significant pilgrimages in Hinduism, has also been a major draw for tourists. The yatra, which takes place every year in the summer months, attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country and abroad.
This year’s yatra has seen a significant increase in the number of pilgrims, with over 1.5 lakh devotees having undertaken the journey so far. The yatra, which is a 45-day long journey, is expected to conclude on August 15, with lakhs more pilgrims expected to take part in the final leg of the journey.
The surge in tourists has not only boosted the morale of the people of Kashmir but also provided a much-needed fillip to the local economy. The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, employing millions of people and generating significant revenue.
In his address at the tourism fair in Kolkata, Abdullah emphasized the need to promote tourism in the region and encouraged tourists from West Bengal to visit Kashmir. “I want people from West Bengal to visit Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, highlighting the cultural and historical ties between the two regions.
The Chief Minister’s statement is a clear indication that the government is committed to promoting tourism in the region and attracting tourists from across the country. West Bengal, with its rich cultural heritage and historical ties with Kashmir, is an important market for the tourism industry in the valley.
The surge in tourists is a welcome development for the people of Kashmir, who have been facing significant challenges in recent years. The attack in Pahalgam was a devastating blow to the morale of the people, and the increasing number of tourists is a clear indication that the valley is slowly getting back on its feet.
As the Chief Minister said, “Tourists are coming back to Kashmir in good numbers.” This is a heartening development for the people of Kashmir, and a clear indication that the valley is once again open for business.
