J&K will once again see a surge of tourists: Tourism Minister
In a recent statement, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed optimism that Jammu and Kashmir will experience a significant surge in tourism in the coming days. This statement comes after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in the region. According to the Minister, the combined efforts of the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government have already started paying off, and tourism activities in the region are gradually picking up pace.
The Pahalgam terrorist attack, which took place in May this year, left several tourists injured and resulted in a significant decline in tourist arrivals to the region. The attack had a ripple effect on the local economy, with many hotels, restaurants, and other tourist-related businesses facing significant losses. However, it seems that the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir is now poised for a comeback, thanks to the concerted efforts of the government and other stakeholders.
During his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Shekhawat met with various stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, and local residents. He assured them that the Centre was committed to promoting tourism in the region and providing necessary support to help the industry bounce back. The Minister also visited some of the popular tourist destinations in the region, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Srinagar, to assess the situation firsthand.
While speaking to the media, Minister Shekhawat said, “The Pahalgam terrorist attack had badly hit tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, but with efforts of the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government, tourism activities have now started again.” He added that the government was working closely with local tourism operators to promote the region’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty to attract more tourists.
The Minister’s statement has been welcomed by the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been eagerly awaiting a resurgence in tourist arrivals. The region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and serene lakes. It is also steeped in history and culture, with several ancient monuments and historical sites that attract tourists from all over the world.
In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has been working to promote its tourism industry, with a focus on sustainable tourism practices and eco-friendly initiatives. The government has also launched several initiatives to improve infrastructure and provide better facilities to tourists, including the development of new tourist infrastructure, improvement of road connectivity, and enhancement of air and rail connectivity.
The region’s unique cultural heritage is another major drawcard for tourists. From the stunning Mughal-era architecture of Srinagar to the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir is a treasure trove of cultural and historical attractions. The region is also famous for its vibrant festivals, including the Shivratri festival, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world.
Despite the challenges posed by the Pahalgam terrorist attack, tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to rebound in the coming months. The region’s tourism industry is expected to benefit from the government’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices and improve infrastructure, as well as the growing interest in adventure tourism and eco-tourism.
In conclusion, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s statement about a surge in tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is a welcome development for the region’s tourism industry. While the Pahalgam terrorist attack was a significant setback, it seems that the industry is now poised for a comeback, thanks to the concerted efforts of the government and other stakeholders. With its unique cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and stunning landscapes, Jammu and Kashmir is sure to attract tourists from all over the world in the coming months.
