Sonamarg hoteliers expect bumper winter season

Ganderbal, Nov 02: After a good footfall of tourists during summer season at famous tourist destination Sonamarg, tourism players including hoteliers are now eyeing for another bumper season as government is gearing up to keep it accessible to tourists in winters.
As per locals during winter season, Sonamarg remains closed for traffic movement due to heavy snowfall and avalanches at several places along the road from Gagangeer area to Sonamarg particularly at Hung area.
They said since the Z-Morh Tunnel- the avalanche prone area is near to completion.
For the first time, the administration is gearing up to keep the popular health resort Sonamarg in Ganderbal accessible for tourists during winter.
All concerned departments have pressed men and machinery to provide basic infrastructure needed during winters which include electricity and water supply.
This initiative of administration has brought cheers to all those including hoteliers who are affiliated with the trade, and now tourists from different parts of country including some groups from outside country are enjoying the picturesque beauty of Sonamarg which is also known as meadow of Gold.
Div Com during his visit to Sonamarg last month said that to promote Sonamarg as winter tourist destination, he said that it is imperative to have all facilities are available to the tourists especially heating arrangements in hotels, water and electricity.
He had directed the Director Tourism Kashmir and CEO, SDA to devise a proper mechanism for its wide publicity as a winter tourist destination.
The CEO, SDA was also directed to finalize the rates of hotels taking hoteliers on board which shall be distinct as compared to other winter destinations and notify the same by 15th November.