Srinagar, June 18 -- The J&K government opened eight tourist places in Kashmir and eight in Jammu, including two in Pahalgam, which witnessed good rush on the first day. Last week, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha had announced the opening of 16 tourist places in J&K after a security review assessment. Soon after the targeted killing of 26 tourists and a local ponnywala in Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22, the government had announced closure of 50 tourist places across J&K due to security issues. However, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that other places will also be opened in a phased manner after security assessment. Among the places thrown open on Tuesday were two places in Pahalgam, Betaab Valley and local parks. On the first day, many tourists visited Betaab valley and local tour operators and vendors welcomed them and also gave them gifts. "For us it is a great day that tourists have started returning to this place which is a well-known place in the vicinity of Pahalgam. We presented gifts to tourists as they came here," said Irshad Ahmad, a local vendor. The eight destinations that opened on Tuesday include Betaab Valley, parks near Pahalgam market, Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal gardens in Anantnag district, and Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal in Srinagar district. Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devipindi, Siyad Baba and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur, all in Jammu region. On the first day, dozens of tourists visited Betaab Valley and there were a number of tourists in Pahalgam also. "Many people didn't prefer to visit Pahalgam after the local sightseeing places were closed. Even the parks were not open. Now with parks and Betaab Valley open, we hope tourists from across the country will visit Pahalgam," said Mushtaq Ahmad Pahalgami, who heads various tour organisations. "We hope with the start of the Amarnath Yatra, the tourist flow will increase not only in Kashmir but also in other parts of the Valley," he said. Meanwhile J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah called for a joint effort to restore and revive the tourism in J&K. Omar today held an interactive session with a visiting delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and acknowledged their continued interest and efforts in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a premier tourist destination. "We are grateful to IATO for coming here and organizing this visit, because trust works both ways. Your presence assures us that we are on the right path," the CM said while addressing the gathering. Referring to the tragic incident earlier this year, the CM said, "To call it unfortunate would be an understatement. It impacted not just 26 families directly but affected the confidence of many more. Just when the season had begun to look promising, the downturn by mid-June was quite telling." Highlighting the resilience of the tourism sector, Omar expressed optimism about the revival. "Since the 2022 season, we've seen a surge in tourist vehicles. It was encouraging to see Srinagar bustling with activity, taxis with luggage on rooftops heading to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and beyond." Omar said the goal is not to have tourists visit Kashmir just once. "We want them to return again and again. That's why your feedback is essential-for improving the experience, enhancing infrastructure and expanding the adventure tourism potential." He said the government is working closely with the Government of India to develop and operationalize them. "Destinations across both Jammu and Kashmir hold immense tourism potential, and both regions will be equally promoted." On infrastructure and connectivity, he said that the popularity of the new train services to Kashmir and promised to take up the issue of capacity constraints with the Ministry of Railways. "The demand is growing, and we will explore increasing train length and frequency." He also underscored the importance of reopening destinations that were temporarily shut post-tragedy. "We have begun this process. It's a matter of restoring confidence-for tourists and for ourselves." Omar said that new ideas are being explored in places like Betaab Valley in Pahalgam and Gulmarg. "Zip-lining, mountain biking, and summer trekking could redefine these locations. We're in touch with national-level adventure infrastructure providers to bring these ideas to life." President IATO Ravi Gosain assured full support from the association in promoting Kashmir across domestic and international markets. For the past 10 days, J&K is witnessing an increase in tourist arrivals though it's still far from the numbers that it was prior to April 22 when terrorists targeted tourists. With the start of the train from Katra to Srinagar, the tourist arrival is seeing an increase on a daily basis....