Srinagar, Sep 10: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has said that Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as one of the most promising golfers’ destination adding that the completion of golf course at Leh next year would provide classic 18-hole golf courses at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Leh and Jammu to the lovers of the game.
 “They can enjoy playing golf in different geographical conditions and destinations within the State”, he said asking the concerned agencies to organize tournaments that would provide opportunity to golfers to play at all these destinations.
 Giving away prizes to the participants of Sher-i-Kashmir Golf Tournament here, the Chief Minister said sports tourism has greater potential in the State which needs to be harnessed to its optimum.
 Omar Abdullah said that restoration of peace in the State has encouraged tourism activities and this year more successful tourism season is being witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that this has helped to generate wide-ranging economic activities in the State.
 Giving credit of peace to the people of the State, the Chief Minister said peace and normality embeds economic stay for a large number of people whose livelihood directly or indirectly depends on this sector.
 The Chief Minister said that development of tourism and creation of tourist infrastructure inconsonance with State’s environment and ecology has been underlined as one of the priority concerns. He emphasized on capacity building in youth in tourism sector so that they could utilize this economically viable area for venturing upon and earning their respectable livelihood.
 The Chief Minister appreciated the organizers of tournament and welcomed the participants advising them to play golf at Pahalgam and enjoy the enchanting scenery and natural beauty of the surroundings. He said that the Royal Spring Golf Course founded and piloted by Dr. Farooq Abdullah has earned name and fame for its best course and beauty.
 Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora and Lt. Governor Delhi, Tejender Khanna who also participated in the tournament were present on the occasion.
 The tournament was organized by the Tourism Department and over 70 participants from the Country and the State participated in the tournament. The Director Tourism Kashmir, Talat Parvez said that the Tourism Department is organizing various events to showcase State’s vast potential for sports and adventure tourism.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST