Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today directed tourism department officials to frame a comprehensive policy to give impetus to the vital sector of the state's economy.
"The concerned department should frame a comprehensive Tourism Development Policy taking all stakeholders on board. This will govern and guide growth of tourism along with taking necessary care for protecting and conserving environment and ecology in the state," Abdullah said while chairing a meeting of State Tourism Advisory Committee here.
The Chief Minister said all residents of Jammu and Kashmir are equal partners in the process of revival of tourism in the state but observed that peace and tranquillity were key for the growth of this sector.
"Balanced approach has to be taken to rope in tourists from within the country and abroad," he said, adding that the tourist market for Kashmir in South-East Asia, Middle-East, Gulf countries and Germany needed to be harnessed, along with working to attract tourists from other foreign countries.
Abdullah said his government was taking efforts to encourage adventure, sports, pilgrim and conventional tourism in the state and create good infrastructure to generate economic activities and expand job market for youths.
"The private players associated with this industry have to substantiate government efforts so that stupendous goals are achieved in this sector," he said.
Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Atal Dullo said over 13 lakh tourists visited the Valley last year while the number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine was over 103 lakh.
Besides, more than 6.21 lakh pilgrims visited Amarnath cave shrine, while Ladakh received more than 1.79 lakh visitors, he said.
