Tourists say Kashmir most hospitable, needs infra boost

The tourists visiting Kashmir have termed the Valley a safe and peaceful destination for travelers while urging the J&K government to further promote tourism and improve facilities to generate employment opportunities for local youth dependent on the sector.

A group of tourists from Tamil Nadu who are on their visit to Gulmarg told Greater Kashmir that visiting Kashmir’s world famous ski resort Gulmarg has left them impressed. “The hospitality, security arrangements and tourism facilities are really impressive,” a tourist from Tamil Nadu said.

The group reached on Sunday morning in Gulmarg and they started their day with a Gondola ride up to Phase I and later to Phase II as well. “The experience was really superb. The guides here were very helpful and even assisted us with photographs,” one of the tourists said.

The visitors said that the tourism sector has remained the backbone of livelihood for many people in J&K and called for greater government support to further strengthening of the sector. “Employment opportunities can increase if more facilities are provided and more tourists are encouraged to visit Kashmir. Many youngsters here are dependent on tourism,” the tourists said. The tourists however appreciated the efforts of the tourism department in promoting the destination. The tourists also appealed to visitors from across the country to maintain cleanliness at tourist spots and avoid littering. “Everybody should keep this place as clean as it is now. Tourists should ensure that cleanliness is maintained,” they said.

Referring to the past security situation in Kashmir, the tourists said that earlier disturbances discouraged many people, particularly from South India, from travelling to the Valley. “But now the situation has changed significantly and more people are coming to this place for vacations,” the tourists said. “We heard about disturbances earlier and that is why many South Indians were not travelling to Kashmir. But now everything has settled and it is very safe to travel here,” they added. The tourists credited the J&K government and security forces for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for tourists saying the visitors from different parts of the country were feeling comfortable during their stay in Kashmir. “Whether South Indian or North Indian, everybody feels at home here. The hotel staff and local people are treating tourists very well,” they said. The tourists further urged the J&K government to continue encouraging tourism and developing the sector, saying Kashmir has immense potential as a travel destination.

“There is no issue with security here. It is peaceful and very good to travel to Kashmir,” they tourists said.

Another tourist from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Neelima Deshpande, who arrived in Gulmarg with her group after spending two days at Pahalgam said public support and cooperation was the main attraction for the tourists to visit this place. “Kashmir has the biggest natural beauty. Today, I went to the second phase of Gandola and had a lot of fun. I feel like I will come back again. I was not scared at all,” Neelima Deshpande told Greater Kashmir. “I felt like everyone was my own. People from all over India and the world should come here and see this beauty here. There is no fear at all,” she added.

She said that anyone can visit this place and stay here with full confidence. Another tourist from Mumbai said he spent the last four days at Pahalgam and the support and trust of Kashmiri people was unbelievable. “The people here have a human heart. They care for their guests (tourists). If we forget anything or our belongings get misplaced, the locals here help us in getting it back,” he said. “Everyone should come here and enjoy the natural beauty. There is nothing to fear in Kashmir. Tourists are getting good support from the locals,” he added.

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah told Greater Kashmir that they are planning to make Gulmarg an international ski resort. “Work is under process for it. We want Gulmarg neat and clean besides a disciplined destination. Any tourist while entering Gulmarg should feel that they arrived at a health resort,” MLA Gulmarg told Greater Kashmir.