J&K Soon To Be Among Top 50 Global Destinations: Manoj Sinha

Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said that Jammu And Kashmir will soon find its place among the top 50 destinations.

In his address to a tourism group meeting of the G20 grouping of the world's largest economies, Sinha said that it will be on the travel bucket list of global travellers.

The ongoing meet is one of the biggest that is being held in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, which had stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in August 2019.

Sinha said that tourism cannot grow in isolation. Tourism needs good infrastructure, sound policies, effective and responsive administration. He also added that only peace and happiness can bring warmth to hospitality.

He also referred to the region's majestic peaks, clear lakes and serene green landscape. He added that Jammu and Kashmir is more than a tourism destination. Last year a record 18 million tourists visited J&K and the tourism sector contributed to 7 per cent of its GDP, Sinha added.

He further added that the tourism sector has been accorded the status of an industry. The government has identified 300 new destinations to promote green tourism, micro, small and medium enterprises, he added.

He also spoke about the 300 movies that had been filmed in the region last year.

"Such enthusiasm is bringing about a qualitative change in the lives of people. Our aim is to make the countryside and popular destinations more sustainable and preserve the beauty of fascinating heritage sites."

He also reminded the delegates that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's schemes had empowered the masses and effective administration had isolated the terror ecosystem. "Now even foreign investments are also coming into J&K," he said.