Srinagar, Dec 29: While hailing Tourism Department for its efforts to attract tourists to Kashmir even in lean months, Valley hoteliers have asked the government to provide uninterrupted power and water supply to Gulmarg and Pahalgam during winter months.
 Unprecedented rush was witnessed in September, October and November registering 70000, 60000 and 65000 tourist arrivals respectively which are usually considered off-season for tourism in Kashmir.
 Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Association (KHARA) Saturday said that Valley witnessed highest number of tourist arrivals in lean months this year.
 “In the past, Kashmir registered minimal tourists’ arrivals during off season.  But this year, about 1.5 lakh tourists visited Valley during October and November and this time also the tourist flow is good. This is a good sign,” said KHARA President Showkat Chowdhary.
 As per KHARA, around 2950 foreigners visited Valley in September and in October the and November their number was 2,864 and 2550 respectively.
 Chowdhary said Director Tourism Department Kashmir Talat Pervaiz is doing commendable job in attracting tourists to Valley.
 “It is for the first time that we have witnessed good rush of tourists in off season. The tourism players are happy with the tourist influx which is expected to increase further on the occasion of New Year and winter months,” said Chowdhary.
 KHARA, however, asked the government to provide basic facilities to the tourists during winter months at Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
 “Gulmarg and Pahalgam are frequented by tourists during winter months. Gulmarg witnesses heavy rush of ski lovers mostly foreigners. If we fail to provide visitors proper heating arrangements, they will leave Valley with a bad impression which will prove fatal for tourism industry,” cautioned KHARA, which is the largest and oldest hoteliers’ and restaurant owners association in Valley.
 Chowdhary also demanded regular snow clearance of the roads leading to Gulmarg for the smooth travel of the visitors.
 “Government should also keep its men and machinery alert to keep the roads leading to Gulmarg open for tourists.  The hoteliers will also coordinate with the government and tourism department in its efforts to make the stay of the tourists comfortable,” said KHARA President.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST