Mufti Mohammad Sayeed hopes bumper tourist season this year

“I estimate that the arrival of the tourists will be unprecedented. I see the government report and the reports by the intelligence every day. I only see how many (tourists) have arrived. I feel happier about foreign tourists ? be it American, Thai, or Japanese or from anywhere visiting here,” Sayeed told reporters here.

The Chief Minister was speaking after throwing open Asia’s largest Tulip Garden on the banks of the famous Dal Lake.

Sayeed said the foreign tourists were visiting the state despite adverse advisories by their respective governments as Jammu and Kashmir attracted the visitors towards itself.

“They (tourists) come here despite advisories. Jammu and Kashmir attracts them towards itself,” he said.

He asked the media to portray positive stories about the state to help in increasing the number of tourists.

“You (media) also try your bit by highlighting positive stories,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the floods last year and “perception of floods” this year had caused losses to the tourism sector.

“There was no flood this year, but a perception was created that there was flood in the Valley… This place is peaceful. God forbid, if there is some type of crime in the country, here there is none. So tourists can come here and see the beauty that the Nature has bestowed on us,” he said.