J&K Tourism sets sights on off-beat locations

Srinagar, Feb. 9: The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir is planning to promote some off-beat destinations in the Union territory soon, senior officials from the tourism department said.
Yasha Mudgal, Secretary of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, stated the department’s commitment to unveiling the untapped potential of these off-beat destinations. She said, “We have earmarked numerous captivating locations across the valley for development,” She stated, hinting at an imminent transformation in the tourism landscape of the UT.
She elaborated on the department’s approach, highlighting a forthcoming tour of these off-beat locations aimed at acquainting tourists with their charm. Additionally, the department plans to leverage the influence of travel bloggers to bolster the promotion of Jammu and Kashmir tourism and these newly identified destinations.
The department is taking every step to promote the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir and is also organizing several events at different locations in tourist spots to make them vibrant and alluring for tourists.
Furthermore, the tourism department plans to collaborate with travel bloggers to promote Jammu and Kashmir tourism and these off-beat destinations. “We are currently planning the holistic development of tourism in these places in Kashmir Valley. Shortly, these destinations will be bustling with tourists.
The department also stated that Soon, they will organize events in the newly selected off-beat destinations to put them on the map, and these events will help them reach various corners of the world. Some places, including the Bangus Valley in Kupwara and the Gurez Valley in Bandipora district, are famous but receive little attention from the tourism department. Bangus and Gurez will be among the 7–10 destinations that will developed by the tourism department in the Kashmir Valley.
Locals have expressed that both places have vast potential for tourism but need attention from the Jammu and Kashmir administrations. They have mentioned that only a single event is organized in these remote areas each year, which is not sufficient to attract attention to the tourist map. They are hopeful, as the department is considering development plans.