Gulmarg, Dec 20: The world famous Ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir Thursday got a new attraction: The Khyber, Himalayan Resort & Spa.
The J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the first luxury resort formally, asserting that such an infrastructure was important to ‘woo tourists’ to the Valley.
“The development of requisite tourist infrastructure in sync with the environmental requirements is necessary to restore tourism glory of the State and make the world famous resort of Gulmarg a tourist attraction round the year,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister said that comfortable accommodation and best services delivery “act as a driving force to attract visitors to come to Kashmir again and again and enjoy the hospitality of the people and the natural beauty of the Valley.”
Omar said his government has concentrated on holistic development of tourist destinations and create necessary facilities there. “Natural beauty is God’s gift to the State and tourism is the key sector to give a boost to economy and generate jobs for people,” he said.
He said, “It is imperative to maintain and conserve this natural beauty and bio-diversity for present and future generations. This is the prime duty of all of us,” he said.
Omar called for “joint and wholehearted efforts” by government, private sector and public to safeguard the natural resorts and preserve their beauty. Omar said the visit of about 12 lakh visitors to Kashmir this year “indicates the interest that people of the country and those outside have to visit Jammu and Kashmir.”
Omar said the Gondola and chairlifts in Gulmarg have enhanced the capability of the place to organize more winter sports events and attract visitors from all over the world.
He said the development and up-gradation of Golf Course here has added another attraction for tourists.
Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana were present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST