Number of Tourists in Kashmir Below Expectations: Mufti Sayeed

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: With the number of tourists coming to the state falling below expectations, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has called upon the national media to change the negative perception that has plagued the state.

"Tourist arrivals this year have been below expectations. Tourism has to brace up for bigger challenges ahead. I seek cooperation from the national media in changing the negative perception which has plagued Kashmir for quite some time," said the chief minister.

He was speaking at the stone-laying ceremony to launch Hotel Nedou's in a new avatar of Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) hotel. Mr Sayeed said high-end tourism would get a huge fillip if the state is able to attract big investment in the hospitality sector.

"In order to position Kashmir as an ideal tourist destination matching international standards, there is a need for augmentation of infrastructure in hospitality sector to attract high-end tourists," said Mr Sayeed.

Linking tourism to employment, the chief minister expressed hope that with the advent of peace, the tourism industry will be able to bounce back.

Advertisement

The 79-year-old said, "With peace returning, the state will witness an infrastructure boom for which skilled human resource is of paramount importance. I urge the doctors, engineers and businessmen who left when the state fell on hard times to return and play their role in its overall development."

Among other ministers and legislators, former chief minister Omar Abdullah was also present.

Advertisement

Mr Sayeed added, "There is enough scope for creating high-end infrastructure for which the government will formulate a strategy which is in tune with revised Master Plans of summer capital and other health resorts."