Kashmir tourism plans to woo south Indian tourists
Kashmir tourism department is planning to have country wide promotion campaigns in association with the private sector. In the first phase, attracting more south Indian tourists will be in focus.
“We have set up stall in the 34th IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) convention in Vishakapatnam, which started on 6th September 2018 and will have presentations about our tourist hot-spots,” said Tasaduq Jeelani, Director of Tourism, Kashmir.
“There will be promotional campaigns in all major cities, with priority to south Indian cities like Chennai and Bengaluru,” he added
The state has been experiencing shortfall in the tourism inflow due to the unrest prevailing in the region. Despite this, the number of tourists from the south Indian states has been showing an upward trend.
Doodhpathri, Kashmir
“We continue to get good response from south India. We will also promote unexplored tourist destinations like Doodhpathri, Bungus valley, Gurez, and Yusmarg. We are hopeful of getting a good number of tourists in the coming months. Our only concern is the law and order situation in association with the Municipal and Panchayat elections, which are likely to be held soon,” said Abdul Khaliq Wangnoo, Chairman of IATO, Jammu and Kashmir Chapter.
Meanwhile, Jeelani said preparations were in a full swing for the ‘Mega Kashmir Festival’ that would be held from September 29 to October 1 during Durga Puja holidays.
“There is still a false discernment outside that Kashmir is not safe for travel. The festival will help alleviating the false notion. We will invite celebrities, tour operators, bloggers, and journalists to the festival so that they can see for themselves that Kashmir is safe for travel,” said Jeelani.