Sep. 10, Kupwara: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that while tourism is bringing people together, terror and its ecosystem have damaged everyone. He said that the government is determined to making Jammu and Kashmir a popular tourist destination on a worldwide scale.
This was said by the LG during the opening of the Bungus Tourism and Adventure Festival in the border district of Kupwara’s Bungus Valley. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bhiduri and other district government representatives were present. There were also officers from the Army.
Speaking to the crowd, the LG noted that although tourism was about to bring people together, years of terrorism and its eco-system had wrecked and damaged practically everything. “Terrorism and its support structure had given J&K a poor reputation and image.
“Development and tourism cannot occur without peace. The maintenance of peace is not only the responsibility of security personnel; everyone, including the population, must contribute. The LG said that elected officials have a heavy burden.
Everyone must try to promote tourism, according to the LG. “We must do all in our power to encourage tourism in J&K. We want J&K to be a popular travel destination on a worldwide scale, and so far we have been successful in doing so, he stated.
The LG congratulated the administration and tourist department and said that the large-scale organisation of the Bungus festival is a success and a tremendous accomplishment. He noted that “Tourism is part of our culture and identity” and remarked that “a lot of change has occurred in here in the last couple of years.”
He expressed gratitude to everyone who had travelled to Kashmir from various nations and regions. A strategy for integrated tourism is being created. Visitors are exploring unusual locations and uncharted territory, the LG said.
According to the LG, 1.58 crore visitors have visited J&K so far this year. “It’s not just a number; rather, it marks the region’s new beginning,” he remarked.
The LG said that Bungus is suitable for trekking and for individuals who appreciate streams and that the government is devoted to promoting and exploring tourism sites. “Every tourist to Kashmir returns home with wonderful recollections. Every visitor serves as a spokesperson for our brand. They promote visiting J&K to everyone back home,” he stated.
He said that there were many difficulties at J&K three years ago when he arrived as an LG. “Despite Covid, road shows and other methods were used to advertise all locations. The LG said that every person will get these promotions.
The LG said that the private sector is crucial to the growth of infrastructure.
He reaffirmed that efforts are being made by the government to make J&K the top tourist destination. “It aims to highlight unusual locations. Visitors get possibilities of a lifetime here. Every attempt is being made to assist folks in finding work. Locals can now support themselves because to an increase in home stays, he added.
He said that Gurez Valley had already seen 25,000 visitors this year.
He said that the success of the G20 summit in Srinagar was responsible for the rise in tourism, drawing visitors from all over the world. “Compared to previous year, there has been a 350% increase in visitor foot traffic. The LG said that a record number of 2.25 is anticipated to be crossed this year.(KNO)
