Srinagar, December, 25 (Vijay Kumar)-Jammu and Kashmir Minister for tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora on Friday hoped that the skiers from various parts of the country will arrive Gulmarg to participate in the international games.While inaugurating the snow festival in the snow decked Gulmarg today on the eve of Christmas,Rigzin Jora spelled out various integrated plans to promote tourism in the Jammu and Kashmir. He said various areas having tourism potential have been identified and work on some is going apace. This he said would further strengthen the economy of the Jammu and Kashmir.
A large number of domestic and foreign tourists besides media persons were present on the occasion. MOS Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani was also present on the inaugural function.
While referring to his recent visit to London in connection with world Trade Mart held there, Nawang Rigzin Jora Jora said that he discussed skiing potential in Gulmarg and its natural slopes with world renowned ski experts, who evinced keen interest in arriving to Gulmarg here. He announced that the tourism department would launch a special motivational drive in Chennai, New Delhi Ahmadabad, Mumbai and other states to attract people for spending their leisure time in the valley.
A Greek NGO head Miss Mary Sauri also spoke on the occasion and said that the Kashmir is really a paradise on the earth.
MOS Nasir Aslam Wani while addressing on the occasion said that the important sector like tourism in the state was severally affected and suffered a lot due to the circumstance in the past years. However, he said life is again coming back on the track and hopped that the days are not too far that this sector will again enjoy in the free atmosphere and tourists in good number like past years will come to the valley to enjoy the natural beauty. Describing tourism sector as the mainstay of our economy Nasir Aslam Wani sought the support of the people connected with the industry in attracting more and more tourists to the valley.
The ministers also released winter games calendar 2010 and also flagged off a snow cycling on the occasion.