Aiming to recapture the status of being the top tourist destination in the country, Jammu and Kashmir government is making all efforts to revive tourism industry in the picturesque state.
While addressing the concluding function of 15-day Kashmir Festival here last evening, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said that the state government is keen to recapture the top position among tourist destinations in the country.
"J&K is one of the finest tourist destinations and a jewel in India's crown. The state government is keen to recapture the numero uno position that the State enjoyed for long in the country," Chand said.
He said the state government is making all efforts to revive tourism industry which is essential for sustainable development of the state.
"Tourism has contributed immensely to the growth of the state. Multiple beneficial aspects of domestic and international tourism have special relevance to the socio-economic development of the state," he added.
Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir, in his address, said the government has already launched a drive to identify and explore more scenic spots in this season.
New spots like Bungus and Neelam, Doodpathari, Yousmarg and Gurez Valley in remote areas of Kashmir have already been picked for development, he added.
Mir also stressed on promotion of cultural tourism by bringing more heritage sites on to the tourism map so that it can be showcased to overseas and domestic visitors.
The Tourism Minister also highlighted adventure tourism potential which, he said, has not been fully explored.
Steps are underway for making the state a suitable adventure tourism destination for sports lovers and travellers, he said.
The function was attended by large number of people, including artists, music lovers, media persons, scholars, intellectuals' poets, students and prominent citizens of the society.
Famous singers of the state Waheed Jeelani and Raashid Jehangir enthralled the audience with their performances.
A 10-minute film highlighting the activities undertaken during 15 days of Kashmir festival was presented on the occasion.
A newsletter, 'Jannat', published by Tourism department, Coffee Table Book, Water Sports Booklet and Souvenir 'Greening the Blue' were released by the Deputy Chief Minister on the occasion.
