"Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with abundant natural splendour which needs to be tapped fully for economic prosperity of the people," Sharma said after inaugurating a newly constructed shelter at Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar, the base camp for the yatra.
He also inspected other arrangements made by the local administration for comfortable stay of the yatris during the annual pilgrimage that is scheduled to commence from June 25.
The government was committed to develop potential areas in Jammu region for "pilgrim tourism" by creating the necessary infrastructure facilities, he said, adding that with this it is hoped that those visiting Vaishno Devi temple could be diverted to these spots.
Various pilgrim destinations of Jammu division would be developed and projected as religious heritage sites as well, he said.
While assuring more funds for upgrading the facilities at Yatri Niwas, he said the required funding for executing various development projects within the stipulated time frame was being given by the Centre.