Govt developing 14 new tourist destinations in Kashmir: Director Tourism

Srinagar, Mar 6: The Jammu and Kashmir government has opened 14 new tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley in a bid to diversify tourism and reduce pressure on traditional hotspots, an official said on Friday.
Director Tourism Kashmir Perzada Qamar Sajad said the initiative aims to provide visitors with more travel options beyond popular destinations.
“Most tourists visiting the Valley usually prefer places like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar. With the opening of new destinations, tourists will have more options to explore different parts of Kashmir,” he said.
He said the move is expected to help distribute tourist footfall across the Valley and encourage travellers—especially repeat visitors—to explore lesser-known locations.
Sajad said Kashmir has several scenic areas with tourism potential that are yet to be fully developed and promoted, adding that the expanding tourism activity to new areas would also create employment opportunities for local communities and support the local economy.
The tourism department is also focusing on reviving existing tourism assets and improving visitor facilities, he said.
As part of the effort, a museum at Zabarwan Park has been reopened after remaining closed for several years.
The official said the museum offers visitors insights into the culture and heritage of Kashmir and will be further upgraded to enhance the overall visitor experience. (KNS)