SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that last year’s G-20 Tourism working group meeting in Srinagar significantly boosted the Union Territory’s tourism potential. This event marked a turning point, attracting both foreign and domestic tourists in large numbers, revitalising the previously struggling tourism industry.
Speaking at the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Conclave-2024, held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Sinha highlighted the transformation in J&K’s tourism sector over recent years. He credited the successful and peaceful G-20 meeting as pivotal, with participants becoming ambassadors for the region’s tourism.
Sinha noted that the increase in tourist arrivals post-G-20 was substantial, reflecting positively on Kashmir’s hospitality and beauty. Additionally, he emphasised the potential of the agriculture and allied sectors in generating employment and boosting the economy of the Union Territory.
During his address, Sinha took a jibe at individuals who claim to be “jack of all jobs,” stressing the need for a change in mindset. He also mentioned that properties used for conflict must be identified, asserting the administration’s commitment to maintaining peace without harming innocents.
About the Tatoo Ground in Srinagar that was vacated by the army after 50 years, the LG said that the place will have a start of the art amusement park where tourists would love to spend the entire day. “Srinagar will host lakhs of tourists soon just because of the renovated Tatoo Ground,” he said.
On renovated Polo View Srinagar, the LG said that he met the shopkeepers of the market and came to know that their business has increased three times due to tourist rush.
The LG urged the participants of the meeting and stakeholders to come up with a road map for promotion of spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, summer tourism, eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, religious tourism, Bird Watching and Agriculture Tourism. “India has a 130 million dollar wedding industry and J&K is the best Wedding destination. I hope that J&K gets its share from this huge industry,” he said.
Stating that JK is getting cheapest power in the country than Himachal, Punjab and Haryana, the LG said J&K has the lowest crime rate in the country and safe for all
