Kashmir’s first tourist bus service ‘On Wheels’ launched

“Downtown (the old city) of Srinagar has tremendous potential to be a tourism destination but the previous government has failed to explore its potential,” Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar said.
Speaking on the sidelines of launching ceremony of Kashmir’s first tourist bus service ‘On Wheels’ by Kehwah group at SKICC here, the minister said: “Due to political instability, the government and the public negligence, the heritage buildings in the old city have been replaced by concrete structures. But there are still numerous heritage cites which if properly packaged could attract huge number of tourists.”
“If places like Kerala, Rajasthan could attract millions of tourists, why not Kashmir which has gifted natural locales and rich culture to showcase,” he asked.
The minister welcomed the Kehwah group’s initiative to launch the tourist bus service and urged the young entrepreneurs to take a cue from the group and invest in the tourism sector.
“I salute all tourism players who despite all odds have stood firm. They have witnessed lots of ups and down in past 25 years but have still managed to survive and bring Kashmir back on tourism world map,” Akhtar, who was the guest of honor on the occasion, said.
Minister for R&B, Altaf Bukhari who was chief guest said the increase in airfares has been affecting the tourist arrivals to Kashmir.
“But if the entrepreneurs like Kehwa group come forward, they could start charter flights from Delhi to Srinagar,” he said.
Bukhari said government would provide the best infrastructure for tourists in coming years.
Managing Director, Tourism Development Corporation Farooq Ahmad Shah said Kashmir is the best natural destination and tourists should not hesitate to visit the place.
“Kashmir is far better tourist destination in comparison to other states of India and tourists should be encouraged to explore its beauty,” he said.
Shah said Chief Minister himself holding the tourism portfolio itself suggests how serious the government is to revive this sector.
Shah said national media should stop negative propagation about the flood like situation in Kashmir.
The Managing Director Kehwah group on the occasion gave detailed presentation about the newly launched tourist bus service.
He said the group is trying to play its role for promotion of tourism besides creating employment avenues for unemployed youth of the State.