Tourists Coming Back to Kashmir in Good Numbers: J&K CM Omar
The picturesque valley of Kashmir, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, is once again attracting tourists from all over the world. Despite the recent surge in terrorist attacks, including the devastating Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government is optimistic about the tourism sector’s prospects. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was recently in Kolkata attending a tourism fair, expressed his confidence in the sector’s growth, saying that tourists are coming back to Kashmir in good numbers.
The Pahalgam attack, which took place in May, was a stark reminder of the challenges that the valley has been facing for years. However, rather than letting the incident deter tourists, the J&K government is taking concrete steps to ensure their safety and security. In fact, Chief Minister Abdullah has been actively engaging with the tourism industry stakeholders to revive the sector, which has been a major contributor to the state’s economy.
According to official figures, the Amarnath Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage, has seen a significant increase in pilgrims this year. The yatra, which attracts millions of devotees every year, is a major boost to the tourism sector in Kashmir. The surge in pilgrims has also brought in a significant amount of revenue for the local economy, which is a welcome respite for the valley’s residents.
The J&K government’s efforts to promote tourism have not gone unnoticed. In fact, the state has been actively promoting its tourism potential through various initiatives. The government has also been working to improve infrastructure, including roads, hotels, and other amenities, to make it easier for tourists to visit and explore the valley.
Chief Minister Abdullah’s visit to Kolkata, where he attended a tourism fair, was a significant step in his efforts to promote J&K’s tourism potential. During his visit, he met with tourism industry stakeholders, including hoteliers, travel agents, and tour operators, to discuss ways to promote the valley’s tourism sector. He also appealed to the people of West Bengal to visit J&K and experience its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
The J&K government’s efforts to promote tourism are not limited to the Amarnath Yatra alone. The state is also promoting its other tourist attractions, including the majestic Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens of Shalimar and Nishat, and the ancient temples of Pahalgam. The state is also promoting adventure tourism, including trekking, skiing, and rafting, to attract a new breed of tourists who are looking for exciting experiences.
The surge in tourism in J&K is not without its challenges, however. The state still faces several security challenges, including the presence of terrorist groups, which has led to several attacks on tourists and locals alike. The Pahalgam attack, which was carried out by terrorists, was a stark reminder of the challenges that the valley faces.
Despite these challenges, the J&K government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of tourists. The state has deployed additional security forces in tourist areas, including Pahalgam, to ensure that tourists can visit and explore the valley without any fear. The state is also working to improve its intelligence gathering capabilities to prevent terrorist attacks.
In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Chief Minister Abdullah has been actively engaging with the security forces to ensure that the valley is secure for tourists. He has also been meeting with tourists and locals to understand their concerns and address them.
The surge in tourism in J&K is a welcome development for the valley’s residents, who are eager to see the sector grow and flourish. The tourism sector has the potential to create jobs and generate revenue, which can help to improve the lives of the valley’s residents.
In conclusion, while the Pahalgam attack was a tragic incident, it has not deterred tourists from visiting Kashmir. In fact, the valley is witnessing a surge in tourism, with pilgrims arriving in large numbers for the Amarnath Yatra. The J&K government’s efforts to promote tourism, including the Chief Minister’s appeal to tourists from West Bengal, are a major boost to the sector. As the valley continues to recover from the Pahalgam attack, it is clear that tourism will play a key role in reviving the economy and promoting peace and stability in the region.
