J&K will once again see a surge of tourists: Tourism Minister
Jammu and Kashmir, a paradise on earth, has been a popular tourist destination for years, attracting millions of visitors from across the globe with its breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, serene lakes, and rich cultural heritage. However, the Pulwama terrorist attack in February 2019, followed by the Pahalgam terrorist attack in August 2020, had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in the region. The attacks led to a significant decline in the number of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir, causing a huge financial loss to the local economy.
But, as the famous saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In this case, the Union Culture and Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has given us a reason to hope again. During his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Shekhawat expressed confidence that the region will once again see a surge of tourists, thanks to the efforts of the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The Pahalgam terrorist attack had badly hit tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, with many hotels and resorts forced to shut down due to lack of customers. The attack had also led to a significant decline in the number of domestic and international flights to the region, making it even more challenging for the tourism industry to recover. However, as Minister Shekhawat pointed out, the efforts of the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government have started to pay off, and tourism activities have now started again.
So, what has led to this resurgence in tourism? According to Minister Shekhawat, several initiatives have been taken to revive the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. One of the key initiatives has been the launch of the “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Mission” by the Centre, which aims to promote tourism in the region and create employment opportunities for the local youth. The mission has also focused on developing infrastructure, including hotels, resorts, and transportation facilities, to cater to the growing demand for tourism in the region.
Another significant initiative has been the launch of the “Ustad-e-Mehfil” scheme, which aims to promote cultural tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Under this scheme, the government is providing financial assistance to artists and artisans to promote their work and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. This scheme is expected to attract more tourists to the region, as they will now have the opportunity to experience the unique cultural traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition to these initiatives, the Jammu and Kashmir government has also taken several steps to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the region. The government has increased the number of security personnel in tourist areas, and has also launched a special initiative to promote adventure tourism in the region. This initiative, which includes activities such as trekking, rafting, and skiing, is expected to attract more adventure-seekers to the region.
So, what does this mean for the future of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir? As Minister Shekhawat pointed out, the resurgence in tourism is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, creating employment opportunities and generating revenue. The tourism industry is expected to grow at a rapid pace, with many hotels and resorts already reporting a significant increase in bookings. The region is also expected to attract more international tourists, as the government has launched several initiatives to promote the region as a tourist destination.
In conclusion, while the Pahalgam terrorist attack had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, the efforts of the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government have started to pay off. With the launch of several initiatives to promote tourism in the region, including the “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Mission” and the “Ustad-e-Mehfil” scheme, the region is expected to see a significant surge in tourists in the coming months. As Minister Shekhawat pointed out, Jammu and Kashmir will once again see a surge of tourists, and the region will once again become a popular tourist destination.
