Srinagar, Jan 9: Regional Director, India Tourism, Sanjay Shreevatch, today said the India Tourism has formulated a scheme to include J&K Tour Operators in the ambit of Market Development Assistance.
 He said the Incredible India Campaign has increased the Foreign Tourist Arrivals to India and “it is encouraging that nearly 35000 – 40000 foreigners are visiting Kashmir now.”
 Shreevatch was speaking at a press meet organized by J&K Tourism at TTF – Chennai today, a member of JKTA informed Greater Kashmir from Chennai.
 Director SKICC, Dr G N Qasba on the occasion highlighted the potential of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) Tourism to Kashmir and described SKICC as one of Asia’s best Convention Centre where many corporate conferences and conventions have taken place.
 He made an appeal to corporate India to come forward and make best use of the multi-facilities at SKICC which is located on the picturesque Dal Lake.
 Secretary General, J&K Tourism Alliance, Nasir Shah, highlighted the role of Ministry of Tourism, J&K government, in putting new destinations on the tourism map of J&K and said that the Tourism department is creating eco-friendly accommodation at places like Gurez, Dodhpathri and Bangus.
 Nasir briefed the media about all the three regions of J&K and gave figures of tourist arrivals in all segments: pilgrims, leisure, culture and adventure.
 He informed the press that in term of numbers, Tamil Nadu stands at 4th position in tourist arrivals to J&K. Speaking about the Bed & Breakfast Scheme which was launched by India Tourism on the occasion; he said that J&K has already launched Home Stays Concept.
 “Since Ladakh is the first region to start, Home stay in Sham & Markha Valley, has become more popular among the foreigners,” he said.
 Nasir said: Even Domestic Tourists have started using home stays. He said that Tourism Department has initiated similar arrangement in Gurez, which is famous for Log Huts & tourists can stay in such log huts where families are also living,
 He said, J&K Tourism Alliance in its charter of demands put forth to Rangarajan Committee set up by Prime Minister on Job creation, have demanded a Tunnel at Zojila so that Ladakh remains connected to rest of the country round the year.
 He informed the media that in a year’s time, Gurez will also be connected with Kargil/Ladakh via Drass.
 Thinlay Dorjey, Representative of All Ladakh Tour Operators Association, highlighted the facilities and infrastructure available in Ladakh.
 He highlighted the eco-friendly accommodations now available at many other places en route to Nubra or Lamayuru or even going to Pangong/Tsomoriri.
 He urged the Government of India to increase the flights between Srinagar – Jammu & Leh during peak summer period to cater to large number of Tourists visiting during March, April & May as the Zojila Pass opens only around end of May.
 Nearly 20 Tour Operators from all the three regions of Kashmir – Ladakh – Jammu participated in TTF – Chennai.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST