KL Report
JAMMU
The Czech Republican would depute its Tour and Travel Operators besides media persons on a familiarization trip to Jammu and Kashmir for encouraging its citizens to visit the state.
This was revealed by the Ambassador of Czech Republican, Miloslav Stasak during his meeting with Tourism Minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir here on Thursday. He also offered the support from his Country to J&K Government for promotion and showcasing of the abundant tourism potential of the Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ambassador appreciated the efforts of the State government for promoting its tourism by creating world class tourist infrastructure besides offering adventure and golf tourism for high end tourists. He also hailed the State governments’ efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the State and added that Jammu and Kashmir State was as safe as other parts of the World, so there should be no reservations to any tourist to visit the State.
Minister of State for Tourism and Home, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture and Atul Duloo were also present in the meeting.
During the one hour meeting, several issues related to tourism Cooperation between the Czech Republican and Jammu and Kashmir State were discussed.
Tourism Minister briefed the Ambassador about the overall tourism scenario of Jammu and Kashmir. He informed that Jammu and Kashmir offers varied attractions for the tourists round the year. “It has three regions with natures gifted tourism potential. Kashmir called as paradise on earth, Jammu city of Temples and Ladhak the moon land on earth”, Mir informed.
Mir apprised him that Jammu and Kashmir government was closely focusing on promotion of tourism in the state. “We have not only developed new tourism spots but upgraded world class infrastructure facilities for the tourist and added that focused attention was also paid to explore adventure, heritage and eco-tourism as well as leisure tourism in the state.
” Unfortunately, Jammu and Kashmir has passed through hard times in past, but the resilience of the people of Kashmir has helped the tourism to pick up yet again,” he said and assured people of the world that Kashmir was as safe as other parts of the world. “We know that tourism is one of the major binding forces for spreading friendship and uniting souls, “he said and appealed “ All of us have to act as Tourism ambassadors and try our best to unite those parts of the world which are still less connected”.
The Tourism Minister briefed him that Kashmir has the distinction of having four distinct seasons and each complimenting the other. “We offer a beautiful blend of natural beauty and hospitality”, he said and added that Kashmir has lot of adventure activities in winter, while Gulmarg is one of the key destinations offering Skiing, Heliskiing, Gondola and many more. There was blushing Tulip garden spreading much charm during spring in Srinagar, he added.
While mentioning Ladakh, Minister described it as being another major attraction of the state known as the Moon Land.
“If tourists want to have the feel of moon, no need to spend lots of dollars on space journey, they are invited to Ladakh, which is common man’s moon land”, he said and added that Ladakh is known for its lakes like Pan Gong and Psomorori, it is also known for its Buddhist monasteries, rich Buddhist culture, trekking passes and adventure motorsports.
Minister described Jammu as city of temples and with highly revered shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, adventure tourism like paragliding, Rafting and Mountaineering. He said Jammu is blessed with lakes like Surinsar and Mansar, while in R.S.Pura sector one can see beautiful collection of various species of migratory birds. He said recently the government has started border tourism in Suchetgarh, where necessary tourist related infrastructure has been created. He said the government was also looking forward to explore border tourism in other areas in the region.
Tourism Minister said that State is presently witnessing huge influx of tourists and the collective endeavours of the government and people are on to invite foreign tourists to the visit of the State. “Several Countries have already lifted their advisories on Jammu and Kashmir and we hope the other Countries would also issue positive advisory to their citizens to visit of the State”, he said.
