India’s own Switzerland, Kashmir is Safe: Tourism Secy

An amount of Rs 2,400 crore will be invested in Jammu and Kashmir during the next five years to give boost to the tourism sector, which is considered as the backbone of the state economy, with the government laying special focus on unexplored and new regions like Kargil.
This was stated by the Secretary, Tourism, J&K, Farooq Shah, on the sidelines of a function in Mumbai last night. Shah, along with other state functionaries was in Mumbai to promote the state’s rich culture, serene beauty and unmatchable landscapes.
“The Union government and Jammu and Kashmir Government are collectively working hard to give a new impetus to the tourism sector. An amount of the Rs 2,400 crore will be invested over the next five years in the tourism sector with a focus on unexplored and new regions like Kargil,” Shah said.
He disclosed that the Centre would spend Rs 2,000 crore out of the projected amount of Rs 2,400 crore, while the remaining amount would be spent by the state government. “Apart from this, the private sector is investing in a big way. We have international and national hotel chains. Le Meridian, The Sheraton Group and ITC is making hotels, while Ramada (group of hotels) has already made its presence in Kashmir,” the Secretary said.
Shah said there were many historical sites across Jammu and Kashmir which were yet to be explored. “We have urged tour operators (from Maharashtra also) to promote such regions in their packages,” he said.
Allaying the fear of different stakeholders, he said, “Kashmir is as safe as any part of the country. Tourists should visit India’s own Switzerland”. “People need not go to Europe and spent money. They should visit our own Switzerland which is Kashmir,” he added.