Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Feb 26 (KINS): Department of Tourism is set to organize Houseboat, Tulip and Badamvari festival in coming weeks to promote tourism in Kashmir.
Director Tourism Kashmir Dr G N Itoo said government has been making all efforts to promote tourism in Kashmir.
“Tourism started picking up since November last year when department started mobilization. There has been an overwhelming response from tourists. Besides, Gulmarg and Sonaramg, there are other winter destinations like Sonamarg and Doodhpathri where tourists can enjoy,” Director Tourism Kashmir told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
The Tourism Department recently organized tourism festival at Pahalgam and Sonamarg. “In coming days, we are organizing Badamvari, Tulip and Houseboat festival to promote tourism. For Houseboat festival on Dal Lake, we have talked to Houseboat owners and other stakeholders. This will be a mega festival and will be a new experience for tourists,” he added.
Meanwhile, a senior official said in the backdrop of the directions passed by the Lt Governor with regard to revival of tourism industry, a series of activities have been convened to ensure that tourism related activities are conducted to promote local tourism.
“LG is very particular in exploring other tourist destinations in whole of Jammu and Kashmir with an aim to make it a tourist hub and boost the economy of the UT. Tourism has a positive impact on economy of Kashmir as it gives impetus to various allied sectors like handicrafts, handlooms and horticulture,” the official said.
On Thursday, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan inaugurated one-day Sonamarg winter festival that witnessed the participation of hundreds of locals and tourists. During the festival, various colourful activities and cultural programmes were performed.
The event also witnessed various colourful cultural items presented by the renowned artists of the valley and scintillating performances by famous singers who enthralled the audience with various traditional folk and cultural shows.
Baseer Khan, Advisor to the Lt. Governor, while speaking on the occasion complimented all stake holders for making it possible to open Sonamarg destination in the month of February which usually opens in the month of April. He said that with the increase in tourist footfall in the Valley, decision was taken to reopen Sonamarg so that tourists get to see one more winter destination which is as beautiful as Gulmarg and Pahalgam. (KINS)
