Tourists arrivals in J and K decreases because of attacks

Srinagar, July 26 (UNI) After witnessing a significant increase in tourists inflow during 2004 and 2005, there has been a slight decrease during the current year due to attacks targeting the tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, officials sources said.

The number of tourists during the year 2004 was 3,94,962, which gone up to 6, 00,825 during 2005 and upto July 15, 2006, their inflow was 3, 39,232. Showing a downward trend.

However, the government has taken a number of steps to encourage tourists arrival, they said.

A separate tourist police and enforcement wing at Srinagar and Jammu and other tourist places is in place, which looks after and protects the interests of the tourists in the State.

The tourist police are empowered to take cognizance in cases of cheating and harassment.

Adequate deployment of security forces and State police is being ensured around the tourist spots and also roads leading to such places.

Regular patrolling and anti-sabotage checks are being undertaken in and around tourist places and roads leading there.

A separate security arrangement operational on a permanent basis exists at the Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra and its proximity.

Similarly, special security arrangements have been made for the pilgrims visiting holy Amarnath cave, Pahalgam and Kheer Bhawani.

Security forces are ensuring a multi-tiered security system for the pilgrims.

Meanhile a three-day workshop on tourism, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPA), concluded here today with participants describing the programme as highly beneficial and timely.

The workshop conducted by Ms Jaya Bhasin, Assistant Professor, Industrial Management, focussed on formulating plan and strategy for development of tourism sector, build organisational culture in the tourism related organisations and generate information regarding tourism in the state.

The speakers highlighted the need for professionalism in the functioning of the tourism departments including the Tourism Development Authorities of which there is a sizeable number in the State.

Various dimensions of tourism including its planning and management, eco-tourism, rural tourism, pilgrim tourism and adventure tourism were thoroughly debated, during the workshop.

UNI BAS YA PC1750