75 locations to become tourist hot spots in J&K

Focusing with an objective to revive the lost ground of tourism especially after 2016 that witnessed law and order problem with the killing of poster boy Burhan Wani, Jammu and Kashmir Government has identified as many 75 locations to be promoted as tourism hubs across the Union Territory.

Moreover, the Jammu and Kashmir Administration is also organising a three-month long festival from the month of October to showcase tourist destinations and rich culture of the Union Territory to attract tourists from across the country and worldwide.

Sources in the Tourism Department expressed that as many as 75 new tourist destinations are identified which are to be promoted as tourism hubs.

“The list of identified 75 locations including 35 in Jammu Division and 40 in the Kashmir Division is in its final shape and will be released by next week,” sources revealed.

He expressed that for Jammu and Kashmir, which is already a favorite destination for tourists, the new tourist destinations will not only strengthen the economy, but also open new employment opportunities for the locals.

The Kathua district, which has scenic destinations in Bani, Basholi and Bilalwars areas, has also been given the priority, said an official further adding that facilities for the tourists are being created by developing these areas of which, many are unexplored.

“Facilities like arrangements, connectivity, accessibility and other measures are also being looked into for the identified locations,” official sources claimed.

Pertinent to mention that the Jammu and Kashmir Government has already launched the first ever ‘Film Policy’ to bring Bollywood back to this region filled with nature and mesmerizing destinations.

“From the day of Film Policy launch, many Bollywood directors, producers and cine stars have started shooting films in the scenic locations of Jammu, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Bani,” he said.

“Necessary basic facilities have also been mobilized at these places. Tourists can feel the newness by visiting these locations,” adding he said that the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Festival is also going to be kicked off from October 20.

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has decided to identify 80 villages of the Union Territory and will be training youths in each district on tourism potential and working in the coming days, which will make them self-reliant in the tourism sector.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 18 at an event at Katra in Reasi had said that the government is looking forward to organizing a 3-month long festival to popularize various tourist destinations.
“We are looking ahead to organize a 3-month long festival to popularize various tourist destinations”, said the Lt Governor.

“Three months from October to January, publicity, promotional events, cultural and folk programmes, will be shaping up the tourism sector,” said an official.