Kashmir will surpass Switzerland in adventure tourism

Pahalgam, May 14 (UNI) ''Jammu and Kashmir, bestowed by nature with rare beauty besides vast mountain ranges, has tremendous potential which if explored properly would surpass Switzerland in adventure tourism,'' said Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today.

In the first ever general body meeting of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM) here, Mr Mukherjee said the Kashmir valley was an ideal destination for tourists across the globe.

However, he called for proper showcasing of the Valley's beauty to boost adventure tourism.

Mr Mukherjee expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, not only the complex problems faced by the people of the state for the past several decades would be resolved, but the reconstruction programme, particularly the tourism sector, will also take new dimensions.

The Defence Minister said the institute has succeeded in increasing its revenue which would prove beneficial in the long run for creation of necessary infrastructure required for ideal mountaineering.

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