Developing tourism in Jammu and Kashmir along European lines should be the next step forward for the industry here as it vies for the attention of tourists from around the world, state minister GA Mir has said.
"All available resources will be utilised to promote tourism, which is a main source of income for J-K," Mir said yesterday at the inauguration of a two-day tourism festival at Gurez in Bandipora district, 123km from here.
The two-day 'Gurez' festival has been organised by the tourism department as part of its effort to attract tourists to the hitherto unexplored destination.
Situated at a height of 8,000ft above sea level, Gurez Valley near the Line of Control is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
During the festival, activities highlighting leisure, adventure, river and eco tourism will be held along with events to showcase the art and culture of Kashmir.
Various colourful and scintillating cultural programmes were presented by theatre performers, school and college students and local artistes.
"Gurez is the crown of Kashmir and has opened new vistas for growth of tourism industry in Kashmir Valley... There is a need to develop this lucrative industry on the European pattern," Mir said as he promised complete support from the state government to promote tourism in the area.
The minister asked the people of the area to build hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and related infrastructure with advanced facilities so as to draw a greater number of tourists to the area.
He urged the unemployed youth to seek out self-employment ventures under schemes by the tourism department and added that training in hotel management and adventure sports would be provided along with incentives to aspiring local youths.
