At least 60 foreign delegates are expected to take part on the historic G20 Summit of Tourism Working Group in the Kashmir Valley from May 22 to 24 with local administration on toes to ensure successful holding of the event.
G20 is scheduled to be the biggest international event in Kashmir after the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was revoked, and was divided into two Union Territories.
In a press conference in New Delhi, Union Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh had stated that some member countries have not registered yet but the last date for registration is May 22.
He said that around 60 foreign delegates are expected to take part in the event to be held from May 22-24.
“Holding the meeting in J&K, was not only to showcase its potential for tourism but to also signal globally the restoration of stability and normalcy in the region,” he said.
Meanwhile, foolproof ground-to-air security measures have been put in place with elite NSG, Marine commandos, para military troops, local police and security agencies deployed in sufficient number in and around Dal Lake and SKICC, where the event will take place.
As per Union Tourism Ministry a side event on ‘Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation’ is being organised on May 22, focusing on strategies to promote film tourism.
The event will see participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organisations, and industry stakeholders including leading producers from the film industry, the officials said.
Singh also said the delegates will take a ride on Shikara in Dal Lake and attend cultural performances on its bank.
G20 is an inter-governmental forum comprising of 19 countries – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States, and the European Union. (KNS)
