Maintain peace to boost tourism says J&K government

Jammu and Kashmir government today asked people to maintain peace to boost tourism sector - the main stay of the state's economy.
"Peace is nerve for tourism boom and the people should contribute at their end as tourism is main stay of our economy," Tourism minister G A Mir said addressing a function at Awantipora in Pulwama district.
The function was organised by Islamic University of Science and Technology at Awantipora as part of celebration of spring festival.
Mir said peaceful atmosphere of the State is pivotal not only for tourism boom but is also beneficial in conveying a good message at global level and invited tourists to visit Kashmir.

"Kashmir valley has its own charm in all the seasons of the year... Among all four seasons, spring has its own importance with mesmerising and pleasant scenes of nature, with blooming tulips gardens and the orchards of almond, cherry, apple, pears and pansies," he said.
"We are going to organise several events here to popularise and explore the immense of tourism potential during this year," he said, adding that an international Saffron festival would be organised in October this year.

Mir said tourist infrastructure is being upgraded besides promotion of adventure, sports, pilgrim and heritage tourism receives focused attention of the government.

"Nature has bestowed our State with scenic beauty, natural resources and we all have to play our role for its preservation, sustenance and safeguard," he said.
He said government has taken various steps for boosting tourism sector so that goal of improving socio-economic condition of people related with this sector can be improved besides ensuring prosperity and development in the state.
Later, the minister inaugurated Kashmir Spring Festival at Zabarwan Park on the banks of Dal Lake here and distributed awards among 200 school children who participated in Shikara race and painting competitions.