Tourism conference in Valley befitting reply to terror: L-G
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who addressed the Tourism Secretaries’ Meet of Union Territories at Srinagar, said the conference is a befitting reply to “terrorism and reflects J&K’s march towards peace, progress and prosperity.” He informed during his address that “we are also exploring ways to develop two-phase ropeway for Shri Amarnath ji shrine to facilitate the aged and ‘divyangjan’.”
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, was also present.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor shared the remarkable development journey of Jammu and Kashmir and its emergence as a preferred global tourist destination. “This conference is a befitting reply to terrorism and reflects J&K’s march towards peace, progress and prosperity. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J&K is an unstoppable force and it will continue to flourish,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the phenomenal transformation of J-K’s tourism sector over the past few years. “God has truly been generous to Jammu and Kashmir. This land, adorned with snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, apple-laden orchards, temples and rolling meadows, is a living canvas of natural beauty, spirituality and peace,” he said.
He added, “We have strengthened traditional tourism circuits and expanded tourism’s horizon. We have ensured that benefits of tourism reach every corner of J&K and transforms lives. The people of J&K and their warm hospitality makes Jammu and Kashmir a truly fascinating tourist destination.”
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the G20 tourism working group meeting was a defining moment in J&K’s history and helped in building the brand J&K in the global tourism sector.
The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism under the SPREAD (Strategic Promotion and Revamping of Emerging Alternate Destinations) in J&K. This strategy aims to mitigate environmental pressure by diversifying tourist activities to lesser-known and emerging destinations.
“Our aim is to bring nine emerging destinations on the national- international tourism map and provide direct employment to at least five lakh people in the first year. These destinations will be able to attract high value tourists,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the development of tourism sector is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment.
Noting that in J&K, security forces have a huge role in ending terrorism, but the role of society is also no less, the L-G said, “Terrorists’ attempt to draw their sustenance from society should be foiled.”
“Ordinary citizens are taking a stand against terrorism. Street protests against Pakistan-backed terrorists is a good sign to establish peace in the Valley, the L-G said.
J & K