SRINAGAR: Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir has called upon the Western countries to allow their citizens to visit Kashmir adding that J&K is as safe as other parts of the World.
This appeal was made by the Tourism Minister last evening during his interaction with a group of Canadian tourist who were on a weeklong trip of Kashmir Valley.
Tourism Minister said that Kashmir known as paradise on earth is best suited for tourists to enjoy their holidays. Our State is all season destination owing to its varied topography and abundant natural beauty with lush green spots and rich environs. We have created several tourist attractions in all the regions with focus on highlighting adventure, golf, health and conventional tourism besides leisure and developed virgin tourism spots like Yousmarg, Doodpathari, Baderwah and Bangus.
The Minister apprised them that Jammu and Kashmir government is specially focusing on promoting tourism in the state. We have not only developed new tourism spots but upgraded world class infrastructure facilities for the tourist at the world famous destinations of the State, besides creating new attractions of adventure, heritage and eco-tourism as well as leisure tourism, he informed and added that unfortunately, Jammu and Kashmir has passed through hard times during past, but the resilience of the people of Kashmir has helped the tourism picking up in the State.
Tourism Minister also informed them about the diversity of terrain and culture which is experienced by a tourist while he plans holiday options in Kashmir and Ladakh adding that all three regions of Kashmir, Ladakh and Jammu offer diverse forms of tourism where we provide all kinds of tourism products in this zone of our country.
We offer a beautiful blend of natural beauty and hospitality. Kashmir has lots of adventure activities in winter, where in Gulmarg is one of the key destinations offering Skiing, Heli-skiing, Gondola and many more. Similarly for spring, we are blessed with flowers and one of the major attractions is the Tulip garden in spring at Srinagar, Mir said and added that for those who want to beat the heat, Kashmir can offer you more than required in summers. Whether it is the serene locations like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, or Heavenly resorts like Dodpathri, Naranaag, Gangabal treks, or beautiful Mughal gardens and picturesque Golf resorts like Royal Springs Golf course Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam Golf courses. Kashmir is a one grand tourism destination, Mir elaborated.
The Minister said Kashmir was the centre of spiritual learning. It has been blend of different cultures of Buddhism, Sufism or Shaivism. He informed them that in arts and crafts, nature has blessed us in this sphere uniquely and our craftsmen have shown their talent and intellect wonderfully over centuries now. Whether it is wood carving, Papier-mâché, Pashmina shawls, Sozni or any other form of art, he said and added that regarding the agricultural and horticultural produce we have world renowned Saffron, Walnuts, Apple, Almond, Flowers, Medicinal plants and what not. He said these days we are having great demand for agri- tourism from various countries.
Expressing their feelings about Jammu and Kashmir the Canadian tourists said that they overwhelmed by the beauty of Kashmir and pledged to take up the issue of lifting travel advisories on Kashmir with their government.
We want to come back along with nears and dears and stay here for more time to explore different destinations and know more about the culture and local people.
It is a different world altogether especially for a person coming here from Delhi where boiling heat makes it difficult even to walk, they revealed.
They said that there are no security problems in Kashmir. We will convey this message to the fellow countrymen and will even write to Canadian government that it should lift the advisory on Kashmir, we convey our friends and countrymen that Kashmir is the most beautiful place in the world and it is a safe destination to visit.
Muhammad Rafiq Karnai, Director, Centre Tour and Travel who is facilitating the tour of the group, said that they have been working hard to pursue foreign tourists to visit Kashmir. Even during turbulent times in Kashmir, the people in the Valley in general and those associated with tourism sector in particular ensure that tourists enjoy their tours without any disturbance.
All the people here ensured that no tourist gets any trouble even when the situation in Kashmir was tumultuous and they enjoyed their stay here, he said.
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