Tourism revives in Jammu and Kashmir despite militant attacks

Srinagar, Jun 25 (UNI) Despite recent attacks on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, tourism has witnessed a marked increase in the state with a number of new projects like Tourist Villages giving an impetus to the industry, which is a major source of revenue.

The number of tourists coming to the state has increased from 57.48 lakh in 2003 to 72.39 lakh in 2005 due to sustained efforts of both the state government and the Centre.

As compared to 1.91 lakh tourist arrivals in Kashmir Valley in 2003, the number shot up to 5.75 lakh in 2005, including doubling of foreign tourists. The growth in numbers has continued in 2006.

This information was provided to over 100 outstation and local delegates attending the ''Editors' Conference on Social Infrastructure with Special Focus on Jammu and Kashmir'', here earlier this week.

The editors and senior media persons attending the Conference were informed that revival of tourism and strengthening of tourist infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir is a priority for the UPA Government so as to put the state on the fast-track to economic revival and prosperity.

A total of 36 projects have been sanctioned during the 10th Plan for tourism-related projects in Jammu and Kashmir, involving an amount of over Rs 85 crore. Important steps being taken to give a big push to tourism in the picturesque state include setting-up of 50 tourist villages.

Financial support has been provided for twelve Tourism Development Authorities at Patnitop, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Lakhanpal-Sarthal, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Kokernag, Sonmarg, Leh and Kargil.

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