Tourism Minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir with European Union delegation-Scoop News
Srinagar, September 25 (Scoop News)-A 9-member delegation of the European Union, currently on a visit to the State, called on Tourism Minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir at SKICC .
The delegation comprised Joao Cravinho, Ambassador of the European Union to India, Prof Piotr Klodkowski, Ambassador of Poland, Dr. Janos Terenyi, Ambassador of Hungary, Ioannis Raptakis, Ambassador of Greece, Feilim Mclaughlin, Ambassador of Ireland, Larmonas Talat-Kelpsa, Ambassador of Lithuania, Bemhard Wrabetz, Ambassador of Austria, Mrs. Anne Marchal, First Counsellor, Political Affairs, delegation of the European Union and Mrs. Anne Vaugier Chatterjee, Attache, Political Affairs, Delegation of the European Union.
During the meeting with the Tourism Minister, matters pertaining to Tourism development initiatives put in place by the J&K Government to rope in high-end tourism from across the globe came up for discussion in the meeting.
The Tourism Minister appraised the visiting delegation about huge tourist potential of Jammu and Kashmir and its diversity in three different regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Minister apprised them that Jammu and Kashmir government is specially focusing on promoting tourism in the State. “We have not only developed new tourism spots but upgraded infrastructure facilities at the world famous destinations of the State, besides creating new attractions of adventure, heritage and eco-tourism as well as leisure tourism”, he informed. He informed them about the diversity of terrain and culture which is experienced by a tourist while he plans holiday options in Kashmir and Ladakh. “All the three regions of Kashmir, Ladakh and Jammu offer diverse forms of tourism where we provide all kinds of tourism products in this zone of our country. Kashmir has the distinction of having four distinct seasons and each complimenting the other”, Mir briefed the delegation.
“We offer a beautiful blend of natural beauty and hospitality. Kashmir has lots of adventure activities in winter, where in Gulmarg is one of the key destinations offering Skiing, Heli-skiing, Gondola and many more. Similarly for spring, we are blessed with flowers and one of the major attractions is the Tulip garden in spring at Srinagar”, Mir said and added that for those who want to beat the heat, Kashmir offers more than required in summers. Whether it is the serene locations like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Heavenly resorts like Dodpathri, Naranaag, Gangabal treks, or beautiful Mughal gardens and picturesque Golf resorts like Royal Springs Golf course Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam Golf Courses in Kashmir and Sidhra Golf Course Jammu, J&K is a one grand tourism destination, Mir elaborated.
The Minister said Kashmir was the center of spiritual learning. It has been blend of different cultures of Buddhism, Sufism or Shaivism. He informed them that in the arts and crafts, nature has blessed us in this sphere uniquely and our craftsmen have shown their talent and intellect superbly over centuries now. Whether it is wood carving, Papier-mâché, Pashmina shawls, Sozni or Basohali paintings or any other form of art, our State is rich.
The European delegation showed keen interest in the new initiatives taken by Jammu and Kashmir government for promotion of tourism in the State. They said that Kashmir has been well known in Europe and people from that continent would definitely love to visit the place. They also said that the improvement in the ground situation will positively affect tourism in Kashmir.
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