Kashmir invites TN tourists to visit this summer

Jan 11, 2010

V Ayyappan | TNN




Chennai: Jammu and Kashmir seems to be turning adversities into opportunities as the state’s travel and tour operators are showcasing Kargil battlefields in addition to the well-known tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam to attract more tourists from south India.
Undaunted by sporadic terror attacks Jammu and K a s h m i r Tourism has launched an a g g re s s ive promotion to lure tourists from Tamil N a d u . P re s e n t ly, Kashmir receives majority of its domestic tourists from West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
“We have started to receive tourists from Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. A big group travelled from Coimbatore recently. So, we want to attract more tourists from Tamil Nadu this year and make it one of the prime source markets for domestic tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir. Most of our tourism activities are done by private firms,” said Javed Amin, regional director (south and west) J&K Tourism.
Around 23 travel agents from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh participated in the three-day Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) here ending Sunday. J&K tourism also received the award for best group participation. Kargil tours start from May when the roads are opened after the winter.
Vaishno Devi and Amarnath continue to be the biggest attraction for domestic tourists. “We are also developing new areas like Sonmarg, Yusmarj, Kokarnath
belt. The government has also formed 20 tourism development authorities across the state to develop destinations,” said Javed Amin.
Travel agents who have come from Jammu and Kashmir are optimistic about getting tourists from Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu even though a brief holiday to J&K may be more expensive than a trip to Thailand or Malaysia for Chennaiites.
“It’s expensive but many want to visit Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh at least once. And those who have visited before are coming back. This works to our advantage,” said Madni Ashiq, a tour operator.
“Terrorism and violence are only sporadic. Things have improved,” said Amin.