SRINAGAR, JAN 27: The Jammu and Kashmir administration intends to develop 350 new tourist destinations over the next five years to boost tourism in the Union Territory.
The National Tourism Day was observed on Thursday aimed to promote tourism across the country. In 2023, Jammu and Kashmir became a global tourism hub, welcoming 2.02 crore tourists and over 50 thousand foreign visits.
The Manoj Sinha-led administration wants to further promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and to create job opportunities in the Union Territory.
A senior official of the Tourism Department said that the J&K administration is developing 350 new tourist destinations over the next five years.
“At these places, tourists will be filled with activities like festivals, natural scenery and homestay at picturesque far-flung places and also in border areas. There are several offbeat destinations of J&K which will be an ideal escape for travellers seeking leisurely adventures and enchanting experiences,” the official said.
The official said that border tourism has been the top priority of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Border tourism has been picking up in Jammu and Kashmir since India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire along the borders.
In 2020, India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire along the borders which has brought relief to border residents besides picking up the border tourism.
Last year thousands of people visited bordering areas like Uri, Teethwal of Kashmir valley and Suchetgarh in RS Pora of Jammu region.
“Since the announcement of a ceasefire by India and Pakistan, a large number of people have visited Uri. Many go for trekking in various villages of the area,” Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Uri said.
Suchetgarh, the bordering area that comprises several villages, is 27 kilometres away from Jammu city.
The villagers expressed hope the ceasefire is followed in letter and spirit without any violations.
People however said the government needs to make adequate facilities available in border areas. “A few km of road leading to Keran is yet to be macadamized. The government should create better facilities here. Borders in J&K should be developed on the pattern of the Wagah-Attari border in Punjab,” said Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Keran. Wagah is a village which is famous for its border ceremony and also serves as a goods transit and a railway station between India and Pakistan. It is located 24 kilometres from Lahore in Pakistan and 32 kilometres from Amritsar in India.
