JK gears up to woo back tourists
As tourism sector has witnessed slump during past five months of unrest in Kashmir, the tourism department in a bid to bring the hospitality sector back on track has announced to organize winter festival in Gulmarg and snow carnival in Pahalgam to woo backpackers and utilize the snow season by showcasing the winter activities here.
This was announced by the Secretary Tourism, Farooq Shah to media persons after chairing a meeting of tourism department, which was attended by various officials of the department and tourism development authorities at SKICC here, an official handout said.
Shah said that tourism department is all geared up to promote tourism and organize various activities to showcase the cultural ethos and heritage of Kashmir to visitors.
“During winter this time, we have decided to organize Winter Festival at Gulmarg from January 22 to February 5 which would involve various sporting events and cultural activities,” he said adding Gulmarg is among the world’s best skiing destination which is known for its quality snow and is considered to be delight for skiers.
He said to add further attraction to the Winter Festival, “the department has decided to organize cultural programs, food festivals, and exhibit our handicrafts which is our heritage art and has always found place in the hearts of tourists.”
“We urge the people living outside the state to visit us and enjoy our hospitality,” he said.
Secretary Tourism said that the tourism department which is headed by Chief Minister is making all efforts to increase the inflow of tourists which has suffered a setback during last few months.
“Our CM, who is also holding the portfolio of tourism ministry is keen to promote tourism sector in both Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that the government will also consult the tourism players including hoteliers asking them to announce discount during the winter festival period in order to attract more tourists, besides the tourism department will chalk strategy to offer discount on its properties so that the influx would boost.
Shah said the government on the same pattern will organize the snow carnival at Pahalgam. “Likewise we will also promote Pahalgam as winter destination and organize number of activities there so that the tourists are attracted to visit Pahalgam and enjoy the hospitality here,” he said, adding that government will organize many other programs on same pattern in Jammu region as well.
The Secretary Tourism was flanked by Director Tourism, Mehmood Shah, CEO Gulmarg, Shafkat Ahmad and other officials of the tourism department.
