Leh,September 20 (Scoop News)- Describing J&K a symbol of unity in diversity, the Minister for Tourism G. A. Mir today said that despite having varied cultures, religion and languages all the three regions of the State -Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh- is a single entity.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the week long Ladakh Festival here today, the Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is famous all over the world for its scenic splendour and hospitality adding that all out efforts are being made to market vast tourism potential of the State in the world of Tourism.
Thousands of spectators and a large number of foreign as well as domestic tourists were present on the occasion.
Minister for Urban Development, Nawang Rigzin Jora, CEC, LAHDC, Rigzin Spalbar, Executive Councilor Tourism, Mohammad Shafi Lassu, Executive Councilor Animal Husbandry Gyurmet Dorje, former Union Minister P Namgyal, DC, Leh Simrandeep Singh, SP, Leh Vivek Gupta, heads of political, religious and social organization of district were also present on the occasion.
Complimenting people of Ladakh, especially the Hill Development Council for organizing the festival-presenting the true color of the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh region- the Minister said that Ladakh’s beauty and charm is unique and incomparable. Mir urged upon the people to safeguard the matchless heritage of Ladakh for the posterity.
Giving details about upcoming tourism infrastructure in Leh, the Tourism Minister said that facilities for Conventions, Golfing, Spiritual Interpretation and adventure tourism is being developed in a big way to develop Ladakh as a major international tourist destination. Mir credited Jora for his remarkable efforts in promotion of tourism in the State during his tenure as Tourism Minister and said that he is the man who laid a well thought out master plan for development of Leh as a perfect tourism destination adding that the Ladakh region is fast emerging as a must visit place on the world tourism map.
He said that Ladakh possess God’s gifted bounty with amazing panoramic landscape and enchanting rugged terrain with Nature expressing it’s different moods to match each season and urge of visitors.
He asked the people of Ladakh to show good hospitality so that more tourists visit this place which will give impetus to socio-economic activities in the region. He also thanked UPA, Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh for their constant support to this region.
The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora in his speech, while highlighting the panoramic beauty of Ladakh, said great filmstar, Amir Khan’s 3-Idoits film, which was partially screened in Leh, also gave a big boost to tourism in Ladakh. He said an International Film Festival is being organized in Ladakh shortly.
Making a mention about the future tourism promotion plans, Jora said a world class Green Golf Course and Trans Himalayan Culture Center is fast coming up to boost the tourism sector in Leh.
Earlier LAHDC Chairman Rigzin Spalbar in his welcome address demanded to increase the frequency of Air flights to Leh to facilitate more tourists to visit Ladakh region.
He also demanded reduction in ATS charges from 21% to 4 %.
While concluding his speech, he appealed the tourists to be brand ambassadors of Ladakh to promote Tourism in this moon land.
On the occasion, a scintillating cultural programme including Yak & Lion dance, Thali dance by artist from Kukshow, Tibetan Achi Lhamo, Marriage Dance and Mentok Ltatmo dance depicting rich and unique culture and traditions of Ladakh mesmerized the tourists and audience.
Deputy Commissioner, Leh S. Simrandeep Singh presented the vote of thanks.
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