Srinagar, Aug. 31 -- Jammu and Kashmir has always stood as the original symbol of natural beauty and tourism while many regions now market themselves with catchy slogans, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said.

According to an official press release, addressing the annual function of HDFC Bank at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar on Friday evening, Abdullah lauded the institution's growth, resilience and long-term commitment to the Union Territory, a spokesperson said on Saturday.

Highlighting the Union Territory's legacy of tourism, Abdullah recalled the historic description of Kashmir as the "Heaven on Earth" inscribed on the walls of Red Fort centuries ago.

The chief minister urged visitors to explore places ...