World Tourism Day: LG urges people to visit ‘heaven on earth’

Srinagar, Sept 27: On World Tourism Day, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha referred Kashmir Valley as “heaven on earth” and urged people world-wide to visit the valley blessed with a “divine heritage and an astonishing landscape.”
Taking on to his social media account, the LG tweeted, “On World Tourism Day, I urge you all to visit heaven on earth, blessed with a rich divine heritage, astonishing natural scenery, and captivating landscapes. Come and explore the magnificent J&K.”
The Department of Tourism Kashmir also organised World Tourism Day at Zabarwan here.
Speaking on the occasion, commissioner secretary Sarmand Hafeez said they are focusing on experiential tourism so that the tourists across the globe visiting Kashmir will experience Jammu and Kashmir in a true sense.
“Tourism in Kashmir is not just about the lakes and mountains, but also about all we have to offer, like our cuisine, cultural heritage, and culture. Also, the experience of living with the people,” the secretary added.
On the occasion, Hafeez also launched the Downtown Legacy and said the Tourism Department is trying to give tourists an “experience”.
He said that this practice would be successful.
Sarmand claimed that Kashmir is on the way to becoming the number one tourist destination in the country.
To a question, the commissioner secretary said, “Kashmir had a great summer here and a record number of 2.1 million tourists had visited Kashmir, which is the highest ever.
“We are hoping for a wonderful autumn, adding that the LG administration has taken the decision that all the winter tourist destinations will remain open this winter.”
He went on to say that the summer destination of Pahalgam remained open last summer.
“The hoteliers and service providers have improved services, and accommodation has been winterized. For the first time, not only Phalgam but Sonamarg will remain open for winter for tourists for the first time,” Hafeez added.
In addition, the department is also working to make this valley a wedding destination.
“Recently, a marriage of a Canadian couple was held in Pahalgam, and several are also coming to have their marriage in Kashmir, the commissioner informed.
The Tourism Department is also going to introduce tourism sports at various locations. The department has installed a snow ski lift in Sonamarg, and a snow lift will be installed in Doodhphatri.
The department also identified 75 locations in the Kashmir valley, among which some have road issues and others have network connectivity issues that will be redressed soon, the senior tourism official said.
Kashmir has become a favorite place for foreign tourists and around 12,000 foreigners have visited the valley this year, which is the highest of any place in the country, he said.
He went on to say that the department is going to organize a golf tournament next week. The heads of several corporate houses will also be joining in this event, which will be followed by the bird-watching event next month, Sarmand said.