Tag Archives: Farooq Shah

For the first time, a state tourism policy is to be formulated for Jammu & Kashmir. This was informed by Farooq Shah, Secretary Tourism, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that the state would invest Rs. 2400 crore to boost tourism and added that the policy will help connect locals with tourist and create opportunities of employment for jobless youth and women in the state. “Owing to the heavy inflow of tourists to the state and the increasing competition with tourist destinations abroad, it has become necessary for the state to upgrade existing hotels, guest houses and develop new destinations to attract more tourists,” said Shah. He further elaborated, “It is only possible when the state has a well-planned tourism policy that we can improve the sector. A comprehensive tourism policy is the need of an hour and will make a road map so that tourist places are fast developed on modern lines to cater to a huge tourist inflow without degrading the environment. By having the policy, government can identify such new destinations, create infrastructure there to attract tourists. We are also planning to promote eco-tourism in the state.” He informed that the government is expecting an investment of around Rs. 30000 crore from the private sector in next 10 years. Shah explained that a number of five star hotels including international brands will be coming up in the valley in a next few years, giving a boost to tourism in the state. Source: Indian Express

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