Govt comes up with plans for tourism revival in J&K
Srinagar, June 10 -- The government Jammu and Kashmir government has chalked out a detailed plan to revive the tourism sector that took a hit after April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
With an aim to increase footfall at prominent tourists spots, the government is starting with school and college excursions, conferences, tour delegations to get back tourists at famous resorts which witnessed 90% cancellation. "We are planning to hold picnics and tours of students and this will start from next week and will continue for atleast next two months," said a senior education department officer.
Before the Pahalgam attack, the valley recorded tourist footfall of 7 lakh. Tour operators are hopeful that successful Amarnath yatra could bring back tourists to Kashmir which saw around three million tourists visiting Kashmir last year.
After one month, tourists are returning to Kashmir but the numbers are still low, however officials are hopeful that the numbers will start gradually picking up. "After three days of Pahalgam terror attack, every single tourist left Kashmir. All tourists places looked deserted but now tourists are coming back. In past four five days some big groups also came to Kashmir," said Mohammad Iqbal a hotel owner in Srinagar city. "After the attack many hotels got completely closed now they are again reopening," he said.
J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah, held cabinet meeting in Pahalgam and then meeting of administrative secretaries in Gulmarg, already hinted about the activities and had asked education minister Sakina Ittoo to chart a plan for the same. Even many schools and colleges have already made arrangements for beginning of this activity. "At least when local and tourists will be at picnic spots it will send a positive signal across the country," said Mushtaq Ahmad, a cab driver.
CM Omar recently said, "Our priority right now is peaceful yatra and that can help to improve tourism."...
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