Nasir Azam
Srinagar, Oct 26: Secretary Tourism and Culture, Syed Abid Rashid Thursday said that J&K is witnessing a tourism boom as domestic and foreign tourist arrivals are record breaking this year while elaborate arrangements are being made to lure more tourists in winter.
“This year we are witnessing a tourist boom. Post G-20 event, tourist arrivals, both domestic as well as foreigners are arriving in record numbers. Apart from the traditional winter tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, we are exploring more winter destinations in J&K,” Secretary Tourism told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the International Convention Centre here.
He said that tourism is the backbone of J&K’s economy which contributes almost 7.2 per cent of GSDP while over 22 lakh are affiliated with this sector directly and indirectly.
“Efforts are on to make the tourism sector a grand success this year. This year, the winter will be cold but the warm hearts of people are ready to welcome tourists who wish to spend some time in Kashmir,” he said.
The Tourism Secretary said that he took a detailed review of the winter arrangements in Gulmarg recently and the place is set to host a large number of tourists.
About the Kailash Yatra, he said J&K despite having just one percent of the country’s population has taken a lead and all programs under the banner of Azadi Ka Mahaoutsav.
