Bhopal, Jan 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday asked the Adventure Tour Operators Association (ATOA) of India to open the Adventure Sports Tourism Institute in the State for which Jammu and Kashmir Government will provide infrastructural and other facilities.
 “This will help in a big way to promote adventure sports activities and showcase the State as the choicest destination for adventure tourism.”
 Addressing the Annual Convention of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India here, Chief Minister said that in the coming years Jammu and Kashmir will emerge as a hub of adventure sports as the State offers wide range of activities in this field.
 “The world famous Gulmarg is known for skiing, mountain- biking, hiking and golf, while the Lidder Valley Phalgam is the destination for  white-water raftting, mounteering, trekking etc.  Sonamarg possesses vast potential for water rafting and mountain climbing and Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and other areas are rich places for Paragliding, Trekking and Mountain Climbing” he said and added that his Government has initiated measures to develop adequate infrastructure in these areas for adventure sports activities.    
 Omar said Annual Convention of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India should be held in the State next year to provide opportunities to its members to explore new destinations and potential areas of the State for adventure activities.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 IST