Tourism industry to get massive boost in Kashmir
With increasing number of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir, the state government has decided to develop the world famous Sonamarg, Yousmarg, Kokernag, Pahalgam and Gulmarg resorts into world class destinations on par with Switzerland. The government has decided to utilize the services of world famous Swiss architect Karn Damschen for this purpose.
Tourism is the mainstay of the economy in Jammu and Kashmir and provides livelihood to more than 300,000 people. Last year nearly 191,164 tourists visited the state and the total revenue generated was pegged at Rs 100 crore (US$20.53 million). This year estimates show that more tourists will visit Jammu and Kashmir resulting in earnings of more than Rs 300 crore (US$61.6 million).
The state government is making efforts to attract more domestic visitors as well. Attempts are also being to persuade foreign embassies in New Delhi to withdraw the advisories to their citizens against visiting the disturbed state.
However, at the moment, development of tourist spots is getting more attention. Damschen, who has the distinction of developing Kerala and Switzerland, arrived here recently and visited different places of tourist importance for on-the-spot reviews.
Director of Tourism Nazir Ahmad Bhat said Damschen has taken photographs of the resorts and discussed development plans. “He will be sending us the plans and reports and further action will be taken accordingly,” he said.
The government wants state-of-the-art board, lodging and other facilities that will attract tourists. “We want to make these resorts world class destinations. Damschen is a world renowned architect. His contribution to developing Switzerland has been enormous,” Bhat said.
Yousmarg, Sonamarg and Kokarnag lack proper infrastructure and tourists who visit these resorts have to return within a day. Bhat noted that this does not work in favour of the people associated with the tourist trade there. “So we want to develop the infrastructure and construct small hutments where tourists can reside and spend a few days to enjoy the natural beauty,” he said.
Bhat said that the facilities at Gulmarg and Pahalgam need some improvement. “The people who travel to Kashmir should get everything that they get in other world class destinations. We want to improve massively and help the tourist infrastructure,” he added.
The government is also planning to involve the private sector in the development of the tourist spots. The plan envisages inviting interested parties to develop and manage the infrastructure while the government provides the required assistance. “The involvement of private sector will also ensure quality of management would be better that will help the tourism sector,” said Bhat.
author: Deccan Herald
Travelvideo.TV – your news source for the travel and tourism industry.
June 8, 2004
Posted in: India