JKTDC to attract tourists again to Kashmir, attack has its affect

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Srinagar, July 23 (UNI) Concerned over the cancellation of tourist bookings following the grenade attacks, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) has found a novel way to attract locals to famed Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens.

The bookings of tourists from other parts of the country for next few months are being cancelled because of the militant attacks on guests during the past two months in which about a dozen tourists from Gujarat, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh were killed and scores injured, said officials.

However, they said efforts at all levels are being made to again attract tourists here.

They said because of less arrival of tourists from other states, the traders, including shikarawalas, have now lost their livelihood.

The season was going very well and a record number of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad visited the valley this summer. The last winter was also very good when thousands visited Gulmarg, Sonamarg and other areas and enjoyed snow.

But for the grenade attacks, the tourists were enjoying the Kashmiri hospitality, the officials said adding those involved in such attacks could never be well wishers of the people of Kashmir.

They said the JKTDC has introduced a special package for the people who visit famed Dal Lake and Mughal gardens.

Officials said that Srinagar had a population of more than eleven lakhs and if only few per cent visit the lake and Mughal Gardens, it will provide some relief to the people connected directly or indirectly with the tourist trade.

They said under the package a visitor--local or tourist from outside-- will have to pay just Rs 50 for a shikara ride from Nehru Park to Kabotar Khana in the middle of the Lake and back. He or she will be given cold drink, tea or coffee and butter-toast.

Similarly a visitor can have breakfast for Rs 50 from any JKTDC restaurant in Mughal Gardens, they said.

They said massive efforts are being launched to attract the tourists from other states to Kashmir valley in the coming months.

''We have decided to launch a campaign in all parts of the country about the conducive atmosphere for undertaking the journey to Kashmir,'' they said.

UNI BAS VD BD1431

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