KOCHI: Jammu and Kashmir tourism is on an upswing and is well insulated from militancy that is the bane of the border state. Addressing mediapersons here as part of a road show, J&K Tourism Development Corporation managing director Dr Shahid Iqbal claimed that 90 percent of the tourist spots in J and K are not affected by terrorist threats and winter tourism has got a special push this season.
“Only one side of Kashmir comes out through news which is militancy. But only a small part of Kashmir is affected by it. The history of Kashmir also says that tourism and tourists have not been affected by militancy. Places like Shivkhori caves and Mata Vaishnodevi temple are 400 kms away from Uri or Gurez sectors which are in news for militancy. In places like Ladakh, tourists have excellent avenue for enjoyment with no restrictions,” Dr Shahid Iqbal said.
“Jammu and Kashmir has some excellent tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg and we have identified some 45 new tourist spots for the discerning tourists. There is enough scope for adventure in many tourist spots. The number of foreign tourists has also registered a steady increase now,” he added.
“We have now excellent infrastructure with two, three and four star hotels, upgraded luxury houseboats, quality transport, gondola, river rafting and jhelum cruises and laser show in Dal Lake. We also have cable cars in some destinations and heli skiing in other snow alpines,” he added. Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Secretary Farooq Shah, Kashmir Tourism Director Mahamood A Shah and J&K Tourist Trade Interest Guild chairman Muhammed Akram Siya were also present at the press conference.
