Tag Archives: Jammu & Kashmir

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

Jammu & Kashmir Bank branches will be now promoting Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism potential across the country in its respective cities, states and towns, this was agreed in a meeting between Secretary-Tourism and Floriculture, Farooq A. Shah with the Chairman J&K Bank,  Parvez Ahmad Nengroo at the official head quarters of J&K Bank in Srinagar. The two officers agreed to sign an MoU in this regard in which J&K bank will promote the state of Jammu and Kashmir in all its branches by providing publicity materials and other information to its clients and customers similarly the J&K Bank website will also display information about the state tourism product and services. JKTDC packages will also be promoted in the said respective branches. The tourism trade bodies unanimously have appreciated this step and have hoped good results and benefits out of it .

After a really slow ending to 2016 for tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, J&K Tourism is determined to make 2017 a success. Mahmood A. Shah, Director of Tourism, Kashmir, was recently in Mumbai to meet the tour operators and ensure them that the state is now completely safe and secure. He said, “Our focus this year will only be to spread the word across the country and the world about the safety and security for tourists in J&K. We have planned a 20-city roadshow where we will meet the travel and tour operators and talk to them about the security measures we have taken in our state. We have also undertaken upgradation of tourism infrastructure in Kashmir.” The tourism  board recently organised a familiarisation tour to J&K for some members of the Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association (MTOA).