Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 25: Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai today said that the Government will provide all possible assistance to the tourism stakeholders in their efforts to project Kashmir as world’s top tourism destination.
In an interactive session with tourists and tourism players here on the banks of Dal Lake, Ganai urged the service providers and stakeholders to work towards placing famed Kashmir among the world top tourism destinations by the year 2020. He suggested for introducing effective tourist friendly measures to make the stay of the tourists longer in Kashmir. He also stressed on the need to introduce various attractions such as evening cultural shows among other festivals for extending the nightlife.
Stating that Jammu and Kashmir was the safest place for the travellers, Ganai appealed tourists to visit the State-which offers diverse tourism products and unmatched beauty.
Ganai said over 8.5 lakh domestic and 50,000 foreign tourists have visited Kashmir this year so far and the hotel occupancy at Gulmarg is almost 100 per cent for the New Year.
He also advised travel and tour operators to make a good relationship with the outside state travel agents and tourism promoters. “Travel agents and tour operators must work very hard to convince traveller to visit Kashmir. You have to build upon your contacts and personal relationships with the travel agents from other states who bring tourists here,” he said.
Advisor Ganai also exhorted upon the people and the service providers not to compromise on the fragile environment and keep surroundings clean. He stressed on the stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations to come forward and make Kashmir clean and green.
Director, Department of Tourism, Kashmir Nisar Ahmad Wani also interacted with the tourist and the service providers on the occasion. He assured full support to the service providers in marketing the State as the best tourist destination of the country.
Deputy Director Publicity Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Deputy Director Recreation Sarfaraz Mohammad, Deputy Director M&W Abdul Qayoom Kirmani besides other officers were also present on the occasion.
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