Irfan Yattoo / Aatif Qayoom
Ahead of G20 tourism working group meeting to be held between May 22 and 24 in Srinagar, the people of the Kashmir are ecstatic and hope the meeting will bring more employment opportunities and help in the development of the region. The people of Kashmir hope that the G20 meeting will bring about more investment in the region, which will create more job opportunities for the local people.
Rising Kashmir on Monday spoke to people from different walks of life and they hope that the event is an opportunity to boost Kashmir tourism globally and help in upgrading existing infrastructure.
1 Aijaz Ahmad (School Education Department)
The G20 summit is an important platform for global leaders to come together and discuss issues related to the global economy, trade, and development. For Jammu and Kashmir, the G20 summit can be a crucial opportunity to attract investment and resources for its development.
We can showcase our tourism potential as a hub for trade and investment and seek partnerships with other nations to support its developmental goals. It will also boost the education sector in terms of infrastructure and digital classroom facilities. I hope the summit will prove productive in developing the education sector of the region.
2 Dr. Sabzar Ahmad Batoo (Rajbhasha Cell NIT Srinagar)
‘The G20 summit will put Kashmir in the spotlight and increase its visibility among travellers worldwide. This heightened exposure can generate curiosity and interest among tourists, leading to an influx of visitors.
“It will definitely have a positive impact on the local economy, creating job opportunities and stimulating various sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors.”
- Mudasir Ahmad Paul- (employee)
Hosting an international tourism event provides an excellent platform for showcasing Kashmir’s unique culture, heritage, traditions, and attractions.
This exposure can encourage cultural exchange, foster a deeper understanding among different communities, and promote your country as a diverse and vibrant destination worth visiting.
4 Dawood Ahmad (Student)
As Srinagar is all set to host a G20 meeting, both the government and stakeholders are upbeat for the success of this grand occasion. It is indeed a golden opportunity for stakeholders in J&K to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir and project the valley as a rare tourist destination at the international level. The meeting is promising in the sense that it may encourage not just national but also foreign investment in the related sector, thereby increasing the employment opportunities of local human resources.
We are hopeful that the investment in augmenting the infrastructure in education and healthcare from international stakeholders may also kick in and therefore help to further enhance the quality of education at par with international standards.
5 Advocate Nadiya Rashid
The upcoming G20 summit holds immense promise as a catalyst for positive change, promoting greater stability and peace worldwide. With international leaders coming together, it presents a paradigm-shifting opportunity to foster mutual understanding among participating countries.
By engaging in constructive policy dialogues, this gathering can influence transformative policies in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for lasting peace and stability. The summit offers a unique and unparalleled platform to promote harmony and stability throughout the region, setting the stage for sustainable development. The world eagerly anticipates the positive impact and potential for a brighter future that this summit holds.
6 Mir Yasir (Trekker)
A successful G20 Summit in Kashmir can significantly enhance the image and reputation of your country as a desirable tourist destination. Positive experiences by visitors during the event can lead to word-of-mouth recommendations and contribute to sustained tourism growth even after the event is over.
7 Manzoor Ahmad, (Snacks vendor)
The way we are hearing about the upcoming G-20 summit in Kashmir. We hope officials will speak about employment, poverty and other things. This international event will provide a golden opportunity to show the true essence of the as Kashmir has a vast potential for tourism that hardly exists anywhere else.
8 Noor-ul-Shahbaz, (LLM Gold Medalist)
The G20 summit is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
A meeting is also scheduled here in Kashmir; that’s why we are in the limelight. A positive sign to internationalise Kashmir and people have expectations that having limitless potential in tourism development.
9 Tahir Ahmad Dar (Shopkeeper)
As a shopkeeper, I wholeheartedly celebrate the choice of Kashmir as the host for the prestigious G20 Meeting. It is a moment of immense pride for us, and we extend our gratitude to the Government of India for recognizing the true beauty of Kashmir.
This grand event will undoubtedly showcase the region’s enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and hospitable people. “Everyone must come together and make this gathering a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.”
10: Tariq Ahmad (Dal Lake, Srinagar)
The international meeting has sparked a wave of hope among the people of Dal Lake. We are eagerly anticipating the return of foreign tourists, just like in the early 1990s. With bated breath, houseboat and Shikara owners have long awaited for this momentous occasion and we celebrate G20 this occasion.
We believe this grand event will bring a flock of international visitors to Kashmir, rejuvenating our tourism industry and creating a prosperous future for all.