J&K Will Once Again See a Surge of Tourists: Tourism Minister
The picturesque valleys, snow-capped mountains, and serene lakes of Jammu and Kashmir have long been a magnet for tourists from around the world. However, the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left several people dead and injured, had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in the region. But, according to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the worst is over, and Jammu and Kashmir is poised to see a surge of tourists once again.
Shekhawat made this statement during a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, where he reviewed the progress of tourism activities in the region. The Minister acknowledged that the Pahalgam terrorist attack had badly hit the tourism industry, but he was optimistic about the future, saying that with the efforts of the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government, tourism activities have now started to rebound.
The Pahalgam attack, which took place in August, was a major setback for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack not only claimed several lives but also sent a chilling message to tourists and locals alike, leading to a significant decline in the number of visitors to the region. However, the government has been working tirelessly to restore the confidence of tourists and ensure their safety.
Shekhawat’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a significant step towards reviving the tourism industry in the region. During his visit, he met with various stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, and local administration officials, to discuss the current situation and future plans. The Minister also inspected various tourist spots, including the Mughal Road, which has been reopened after remaining closed for several years.
The reopening of the Mughal Road is a significant development for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The road, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region, was closed after the eruption of militancy in the region in the 1990s. However, with the improvement in the security situation, the road has been reopened, providing a new route for tourists to explore the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has been working to promote tourism in the region, and the reopening of the Mughal Road is a major boost to these efforts. The government has also launched several initiatives to promote tourism, including the development of new tourist infrastructure, such as hotels, resorts, and adventure sports facilities.
In addition to promoting tourism, the government is also working to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the region. The government has increased the deployment of security personnel at tourist spots, and has also launched a special tourist police force to provide assistance to visitors.
Despite the challenges posed by the Pahalgam attack, the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to bounce back strongly. The region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality have always been a major draw for tourists. Additionally, the government’s efforts to promote tourism and ensure the safety and security of visitors are expected to attract more tourists to the region.
The reopening of the Mughal Road is also expected to have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The road will provide a new route for tourists to explore the region, and will also create new opportunities for local businessmen and entrepreneurs.
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. The government’s efforts to promote tourism and ensure the safety and security of visitors are expected to attract more tourists to the region, and the reopening of the Mughal Road is a major boost to these efforts. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Jammu and Kashmir is poised to regain its position as a popular tourist destination.
