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| We will be glad to act as transit for neighboring countries | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar , Aug 1 : Kashmir tourism sector is beginning again. Tourists throng to this scenic place once again, new hotels are beginning to pop up, new destinations are being developed and destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are entering the consciousness of international travelers. While it's a long road ahead for J&K as it seeks to remake its image after the twenty two years of armed militancy, it's Tourism Minister G A Mir seems to relish. Buoyed by the ever increasing tourists' footfall, the state government is now focusing on developing adventure tourism. Mir also expressed readiness to act as a transit for neighboring countries only if the hostilities end. Rajni Chopra/Bashir Assad for Express Travelworld interviewed the J&K Tourism Minister.
Q. The Valley is seeing a return of tourist traffic in recent months, comments.
A. Yes, we have been able to attract good number of tourists to the valley. Despite some incidents in the beginning of the year we held road-shows, interacted with the travel trade players across our trusted markets and we were successful in attracting tourists from these areas.
Q. Known for its scenic beauty, Kashmir did not need any promotional marketing. But as the political unrest that has been the bane of this scenic destination still unsettles it, what kind of marketing strategy is the state government planning to bring the tourists back? Any new campaigns being planned?.
A. No it is a misnomer/ Domestic tourists do come to valley to see the scenic beauty of Kashmir. But international tourists and young domestic tourists want to indulge in adventure activities. This year Kashmir festival was organized for this very purpose with main focus on adventure activities. We organized rafting expeditions, paragliding events, cycling, skating, kayaking, trekking and other events during Kashmir festival. Our aim is to make Kashmir an adventure tourism destination. We will like to participate in travel marts, travel festival at national and international level so as to make our presence felt in tourist trade.
Q. Can Kashmir be developed as a transit point for neighboring countries?.
A. This is the dream of every Kashmiri. If the hostilities between the neighboring countries stop, we will be glad to act as a transit camp.
Q. Is point-to-point connectivity still an issue within the state? (getting from say Gulmarg to Pahalgam).
A. Connectivity is no more an issue. Our state has a very good network of roads to all tourist destinations of importance. In fact some areas have excellent roads-courtesy tourism.
Q. What kind of infrastructural development is needed to place Kashmir as a top destination?
A. We have improved a lot but there is scope for doing more. We have limited accommodation when it comes to the high end tourists. We need to look into this issue.
Similarly we have less number of hotels of international standard. However, investors are now showing keen interest in developing the tourist infrastructure in Kashmir due to which a few five-starred hotels have come up during last couple of years and many more are in offing in private sector.
Q. The Dal Lake and apparently some other places are facing the onslaught of too much tourism with garbage and environmental issues. How is the tourism department planning to resolve this?
A. We are already beyond Dal Lake. You see the tourists at other destinations. We will be emphasizing on virgin areas like Dodpathri, Lolab Bhangus and Yousmarg besides other destinations to be explored as potential tourist destinations with huge infrastructure.
Q. Is there a certification policy being drafted for houseboats to ensure that they maintain standards of quality and hygiene?
A. There is a proper policy in place which certifies the categorization of houseboats as per the facilities/amenities they offer. Houseboats are graded as Deluxe, A, B, C and D and certified accordingly.
Q. How is Kashmir being promoted as an adventure tourism destination?
A. Our State offers almost everything to adventure lovers. We are running rafting expeditions regularly, Skying is going on in winters at Gulmarg, we organize ski tournaments, trekking, routs are once again being popularized.
Q. MICE (meetings and conventions) is a big source of tourism revenues in many states. How is J&K promoting the destination for MICE traffic?
A. We have a state of art facility for this segment at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convocation Complex (SKICC ). Yes we need to have some more facilities in our state and we shall work in this direction.
Q. Is the state promoting golf tourism in a big way?
A. We have some excellent golfing facilities at Royal Springs Golf Course, Pahalgam golf course has developed on a big way. We are looking forward to promote golf in a big way.
Q. Your thoughts on sustainable tourism?
A. Tourism will last only if it is sustainable. Eco-tourism is an emerging fioeld because of its sustainability.
Our all activities should be nature centric and we must be eco-sensitive.
Q. How can J&K follow a sustainable tourism business model?
Our strength is our location, we are selling nature, we need to have some check and balance system in place which can manage waste generated at tourist destinations. Our activities don't generate pollution. We can follow a sustainable model.
Q. Do you think the Uttrakhand tragedy is a fallout of irresponsible or unplanned tourism?
A. That is a different story, encroachments are illegal and harmful. It can be unplanned urbanization, why to blame tourism. |
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