Riyaz Ul Khaliq
SRINAGAR
In its bid to ensure huge tourist rush to state this season, Jammu and Kashmir government officials are participating in “India International Travel Mart” in West Bengal these days.
Official sources claim that the state of West Bengal remains in the top most states wherefrom huge number of tourists come to Kashmir every year. “Kashmir remains second top destination for Bengali tourists,” the officials said.
Speaking to Kashmir Life from Kolkata, J&K Government Principal Secretary for Tourism Development, Sandeep Nayak said, “because West Bengal is an important state for J&K so far as tourism is concerned, I have personally come here with a group of private tour operators.”
The J&K delegation is meeting international tour operators including those from mainland India this week. The J&K group of tourism delegates are meeting officials from West Bengal Tourism Department, West Bengal Tourism Corporation and West Bengal Tour Operators Association in the days to come to tie up for the coming summer season. “We are also holding meetings with tour operators from other states including Maharashtra and Orissa.”
“This evening we are holding a road show at Salt Lake City in Kolkata in which international tour operators have also been invited,” Nayak said, “our aim is to disseminate the information that Kashmir is peaceful and it is best destination to visit state.” “Security of tourists is our responsibility.”
In order to promote golf tourism in Kashmir, Nayak informed that they are meeting the officials of Tolly Club in Kolkata on Sunday. Having a membership of over 22000, this 220 years old Club is spread over 800 Kanals. “We have mesmerizing golf courses at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and at Boulevard (Royal Springs) and to ensure maximum participation of golfers this season, we are tying up with the Tolly Club.”
