Tourists Coming Back to Kashmir in Good Numbers: J&K CM Omar
In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead, one would expect a significant decline in tourism in Kashmir. However, contrary to expectations, the tourism sector in the valley is witnessing a remarkable surge, with pilgrims arriving in large numbers for the Amarnath Yatra. This is a welcome sign for the state’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made this announcement during a tourism fair in Kolkata, where he was attending as a special guest. Abdullah expressed his delight at the increasing number of tourists visiting Kashmir, despite the recent attacks. He emphasized the importance of promoting tourism in the state, particularly from the eastern states, including West Bengal.
“We want tourists from West Bengal to come and visit the valley. We want to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, and we want people from West Bengal to be a part of it,” Abdullah said during the tourism fair.
The Chief Minister’s statement is a significant development, as it indicates that Kashmir is slowly regaining its popularity as a tourist destination. The recent attack in Pahalgam, which was carried out by terrorists, had raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the valley. However, it seems that the attack has not deterred tourists from visiting Kashmir.
The Amarnath Yatra, which is one of the most popular pilgrimages in Hinduism, has been a major draw for tourists in recent years. The yatra attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, who travel to the cave shrine of Amarnath to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, generating a substantial amount of revenue.
Abdullah’s statement is not only a boost to the tourism sector but also a testament to the resilience of the people of Kashmir. The state has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including terrorism and political instability, but the Chief Minister’s words are a reminder that Kashmir remains a popular tourist destination.
The Chief Minister’s efforts to promote tourism in Kashmir are not limited to just attracting tourists from West Bengal. He has been actively working to promote tourism in the state, particularly in the areas that are affected by terrorism. Abdullah has been pushing for infrastructure development, including the construction of hotels, roads, and other tourist facilities.
In addition to promoting tourism, Abdullah has also been working to improve the overall security situation in the state. He has been engaging with the central government to address the issues of terrorism and political instability, with a view to creating a peaceful and secure environment for tourists and locals alike.
The Chief Minister’s efforts have been praised by the tourism industry, which has been facing significant challenges in recent years. The industry is a major employer in the state, with thousands of people dependent on it for their livelihood. The resurgence of tourism in Kashmir is a welcome sign for the industry, which is now looking forward to a brighter future.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister’s statement about tourists coming back to Kashmir in good numbers is a significant development for the state’s tourism sector. The recent attack in Pahalgam had raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the valley, but it seems that the attack has not deterred tourists from visiting Kashmir. Abdullah’s efforts to promote tourism in the state, particularly from West Bengal, are a welcome sign for the industry, which is now looking forward to a brighter future.
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