Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Oct 11: Apart from popular skiing destination Gulmarg, the government will continue with winter tourism activities in snow bound areas of Kashmir that have a huge potential for winter tourism, especially adventure tourism.
Promoting the unexplored destinations that have a vast winter tourism potential will be topmost priority of Government this winter.
A top official said that besides making helicopter services available to the snow bound tourism potential areas which used to remain closed in winter due to heavy snowfall, the government is also introducing some new ski resorts in these areas as well.
“We have decided to start special helicopter services from Bandipora to Gurez and Kupwara to Karnah for the tourists this year,” he said, adding that the services will help the government to promote and sustain its winter tourism plan which was never done before.
“For the first time this year, Sonamarg, Karnah and Gurez are to be made winter tourist hotspots like Gulmarg as it’s the topmost priority of the administration,” he said, adding that multiple activities including winter sports will be held in these areas that shall not only promote the tourist footfall, but will create employment resources for the locals.
He said that the government will be keen to promote these areas this year in winter season and all necessary arrangements are being made in a timely manner.
The top official said that the tourism industry in these areas has faced an accelerated growth with holistic support from local communities who are involved directly and indirectly in this industry.
Considering the large number of tourist rush to these places in summer season, he said that winter activities won’t remain confined to Gulmarg only this year but many activities will be carried out at other tourist destinations as well.
About Central Kashmir’s Doodpathri area, he said that this tourism destination is being given special focus to be developed as the best winter tourism spot while the government is working very positively to make it more beautiful.
