Suhail Khan
Srinagar, May 23: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha revealed on Tuesday that the union territory experienced a remarkable surge in tourism despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Sinha as per The Web Story, the region welcomed an impressive 18 million tourists from various parts of India last year, marking an unprecedented milestone since the country’s independence.
The Lieutenant Governor made these remarks while addressing foreign delegations at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar.
This notable increase in tourist footfall has revitalized the tourism sector, highlighting the enduring appeal of Jammu and Kashmir as a popular destination.
Lt Governor Sinha has announced the identification of 300 fresh destinations in an effort to bolster green tourism, empower small and medium enterprises, promote youth and women entrepreneurs, and engage local communities in supporting sustainable tourism.
The overarching goal is to ensure the preservation of the scenic beauty found in both rural areas and popular tourist spots, including captivating heritage sites.
Lt Governor Sinha expressed confidence that, with the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Jammu Kashmir will soon secure a position among the world’s top 50 destinations, becoming a coveted travel destination for global explorers.
He said that the region’s tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth, emerging as one of the most prosperous industries.
Sinha highlighted the government’s emphasis on green tourism, exploration of off-beat destinations, involvement of local communities, and the decision to grant industry status to the tourism sector as key factors contributing to its success.
In addition, Sinha attributed the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir into a favored destination for film shooting to sustained reforms implemented by the government.
“Notable reforms include the introduction of a new film policy, the development of modern infrastructure, and improvements in the ease of doing business.”
This development has not only bolstered the economy but has also generated numerous employment opportunities for the local population.
According to Sinha, the tourism sector has played a significant role in job creation and contributed approximately 7% to the region’s GDP in the previous fiscal year.
“This highlights the sector’s substantial impact on the overall economic growth and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
During the working group meeting, it was observed that China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia were absent, while representatives and officials from G20 member nations, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, participated in the inaugural events held on the banks of Dal Lake.
