39 per cent decline in tourist arrivals in Srinagar

New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) The number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, visiting the Jammu and Kashmir capital of Srinagar during January-April this year declined by 39 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2006, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni, in a written reply, said the total number of tourists visiting Srinagar during January-April 2006 was 124,772, including 6128 foreign tourists, while during the same period this year, the figure stood at 76,106 including 7361 foreign nationals.

She said attractive tourist packages were, however, being offered by the private sector and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).

The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Tourism was taking several measures to attract tourists to the state including participation in various travel marts and organisation of road shows in different cities across the country, Ms Soni added.

UNI