GoI to promote new tourist destinations in J&K, Ladakh

JAMMU, Nov 27: The Government of India (GoI) has announced plans to promote new types of tourist destinations in the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh, with a focus on off-beat locations and new trekking routes in Ladakh. As part of its tourism promotion initiative, the GoI will identify lesser-known tourist spots in J&K and develop new trekking routes to further diversify the tourism offerings in Ladakh.
A spokesman stated that key tourism projects are being undertaken, including the establishment of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh, which will be India’s first-ever Dark Sky Reserve. The initiative is expected to attract astro-tourism enthusiasts, offering a unique experience for stargazing and astronomical observations.
In addition to these projects in J&K and Ladakh, the GoI is focusing on enhancing tourism infrastructure across other regions, such as the development of world-class seafronts, riverfronts, and tent cities in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH&DD), as well as the development of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure in Puducherry.
To diversify tourism offerings and boost the local economies of the UTs, the government is actively promoting various niche tourism sectors, including astro-tourism, eco-tourism, nature/biodiversity tourism, heritage/cultural tourism, wellness tourism, spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, monsoon tourism, experiential tourism, religious tourism, cruise tourism, and tribal and rural tourism, among others.
The GoI also intends to highlight the cultural and historical richness of the region through events like the Zanskar Festival in Ladakh and the Wullar Festival in J&K, celebrating the diverse traditions and festivals of the UTs. Along with this, the identification and development of off-beat tourist destinations in J&K are set to play a key role in attracting visitors looking for unique travel experiences.
To further boost tourism potential, the GoI is promoting local art and traditional crafts in the UTs, while also focusing on the restoration, beautification, and landscaping of various tourist and heritage sites across the region. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the overall tourist experience and preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.