Unrest in Kashmir diverts tourists to neighbouring Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Aug 11 (ANI): Foreign tourists are heading for Shimla in the wake of growing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.

Domestic and foreign tourists usually go to Jammu and Kashmir to experience the scenic charm of the valley.

"Of course, Himachal is more peaceful then Kashmir. In my case, I think I am not a typical tourist. There is a kind of an unspoken agreement, not to go to Kashmir," said Ittai, an Israeli tourist.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said he would prefer tourists to flock to his state to enjoy its natural beauty, rather than for any other external reason.

"If in any state the number of tourists visiting increases, it is beneficial for the state, the people living in the state. The taxi driver benefits from it, the hotel owner benefits from it and for all the facilities provided to the tourists, the people who are linked to the tourism industry are benefited," said Prem Kumar Dhumal.

"We never want that tourism in our state increases because of crisis in other states. We want that tourism in our state increases because of the natural beauty of the state, the good behaviour of the people of the state and the facilities we provide to the tourists. This is what we make efforts for," he added. By Hemant Chauhan (ANI)