J&K will once again see a surge of tourists: Tourism Minister
The recent terrorist attack on Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, had a devastating impact on the region’s tourism industry. However, with the combined efforts of the Central and Jammu and Kashmir governments, tourism activities in the region are now slowly but surely picking up pace. This was revealed by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who recently visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation.
Speaking to the press, Minister Shekhawat expressed his optimism about the future of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the region will once again see a surge of tourists. “The Pahalgam terrorist attack had badly hit tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, but with efforts of Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government, tourism activities have now started again,” he said.
The Minister’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir was a significant one, as it marked the first major tourist-related initiative taken by the Centre since the Pahalgam attack. During his two-day visit, Shekhawat met with various stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, and local authorities, to discuss ways to revive the tourism industry in the region.
One of the key issues that the Minister focused on during his visit was the need to improve security measures in tourist areas. He stressed that ensuring the safety and security of tourists is of utmost importance and that the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government are working together to achieve this goal.
To this end, the Minister announced that the Centre would be providing additional security forces to the region to help maintain law and order in tourist areas. He also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, citing its economic benefits and potential to create jobs.
The Pahalgam terrorist attack, which took place in May this year, had a significant impact on the region’s tourism industry. The attack, which was carried out by militants, resulted in the deaths of three foreign tourists and a local guide, and left several others 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, despite the challenges posed by the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government has been working tirelessly to revive the tourism industry in the region. The government has launched several initiatives, including the “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Policy 2020”, which aims to promote tourism in the region and create new job opportunities.
The policy, which was launched earlier this year, focuses on developing tourism infrastructure, promoting cultural heritage, and creating new job opportunities in the tourism sector. It also aims to promote tourism in the region by highlighting its unique attractions and cultural heritage.
In addition to the policy, the Jammu and Kashmir government has also launched several other initiatives to promote tourism in the region. These include the “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation”, which aims to develop tourism infrastructure in the region, and the “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Promotion Council”, which aims to promote tourism in the region through advertising and marketing campaigns.
The Union Culture and Tourism Minister’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir has given a significant boost to the region’s tourism industry. His announcement that the Centre will be providing additional security forces to the region has helped to alleviate concerns about safety and security, and his emphasis on promoting tourism in the region has highlighted its potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
In conclusion, while the Pahalgam terrorist attack had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, the region is slowly but surely bouncing back. With the combined efforts of the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government, tourism activities in the region are now picking up pace, and the Union Culture and Tourism Minister’s visit has given a significant boost to the industry.
