Team Blitz India
SRINAGAR: The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Kashmir in May has had the desired impact on the state economy. The Valley has witnessed a surge in foreign tourist arrivals which have surpassed records of the last three decades.
As per state officials, over 18,000 people visited Kashmir between January and May this year.
Apart from tourists hailing from the Southeast Asian belt, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the Valley saw an influx of tourists from Western countries such as Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
Effective showcasing
The G20 meeting had showcased the potential of Kashmir as a vibrant tourist destination and left an indelible impression on dignitaries, ambassadors, and high commissioners from G20 nations.
Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture, said, “The G20 meeting’s grand success unveiled our true tourism potential to the world. Representatives from G20 countries experienced the genuine warmth, hospitality, and essence of Jammu and Kashmir.” He expressed optimism that the region, once a pinnacle of leisure, adventure, and spiritual tourism, was on the path to regaining its stature as a premier global tourist hub.
Three-fold increase
Shah underscored the notable three-fold increase in arrivals and bookings, accompanied by a surge in occupancy rates. Impressively, the number of foreign tourists during the initial five months of this year has already eclipsed the tally for the whole of last year.
Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, President, Houseboat Owners’ Association, highlighted the substantial increase in foreign tourists compared to previous years. He noted, “The figures have doubled this year. While we welcomed around 10,000 foreign tourists last year, over 18,000 tourists from diverse corners of the world have already visited Kashmir by June this year.”
According to a PTI report, enthusiastic foreign travellers expressed their admiration for Kashmir’s charm and the warmth of its people. Mark Wory, a New Zealander touring the region on a motorcycle, said, “The journey through the mountains was breathtaking. This place is stunning, and the people of Kashmir have shown exceptional hospitality. We feel secure here.”
