Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir back on rail: Secretary

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 25

Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Jammu and Kashmir government, Sarmad Hafeez on Thursday said that the Union Territory is back on the rail after a dry spell caused due by the nationwide lockdown, and added that all-round normalcy has raised the prospect of a “bumper tourist” season with the onset of spring.

“There is already a rush for booking of hotels, restaurants, and other institutes of the hospitality,” said Hafeez.

Hafeez was present with a panoply of officials of the Tourism Department to promote Jammu and Kashmir as tourist destination.

The Secretary led a roadshow, here, with the refrain that “Jammu and Kashmir is a heaven on Earth. Come, savour the paradise”.

A number of tour operators—under the aegis of Travel Agent Association of Kashmir—accompanied Hafeez, and took part in the roadshow.

Along with the natural beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, Hafeez harped on the hospitality, cuisine, and the culture of emotions to guests which suffuses interpersonal relationships.

Hafeez revealed that the Tulip season has kickstarted as well in Srinagar. About 1.5 million flowers were blooming bright in varied colours.

Hafeez with the help of the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, the direct airline connectivity from Ahmedabad, Banglore, Mumbai and Kolkata to Srinagar will be launched soon to boost the in-flow of tourists.

Talking about other steps to promote tourism, Hafeez said that new spots, and destinations are being tapped, besides adding, that vim to the places which are already on the map.

He said that the office of the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha, and the entire UT Administration is focused on boosting tourism.