SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government Sunday said that the authorities are committed to explore offbeat tourism destinations and 75 such sites have been prepared in view of 75 years of Independence.
Addressing the gathering at Bungus Valley here, the Secretary Tourism Syed Aabid Rashid said that organising the festival was a dream of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and aimed to promote tourism and attract more visitors in times to come.
He said that there are clear directions of LG to explore offbeat destinations. “On the eve of 75 years of independence, for the first time 75 tourism destinations have been identified and being developed,” Rashid said.
The Secretary Tourism assured that in the next couple of years Bungus will be quite a different tourist destination. “Efforts are on to ensure everything required is being done. The UT administration is committed to promoting tourism,” he said.
He said that Kupwara has great tourism potential. “We are committed to exploring adventure and border tourism. More development will take time to come,” he said.
He also urged locals to extend cooperation with the authorities. “Bungus in time will be a famous tourism destination across the globe,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bhiduri said that beautiful arrangements have been made for the Bungus festival.
He said on the direction of J&K LG, tourism potential of the Valley is being explored.
From Pahalgam, Dal Lake and other places, now Kupwara is becoming the tourism hub of the valley. “30,000 tourists have so far visited the Keran sector alone. Not just the locals, visitors rather from the rest of the country are visiting there.”
He said that some locals have pitched tents there. “They are earning a livelihood. Youth are getting engaged. Over one crore tourists visited last year while so far 1.58 tourists visited here.”
He assured that with promotion more tourists will come in times to come. (KNO)
