There is no doubt that the J&K Government has accomplished much to help tourism thrive in the Jammu region. However, there is still untapped potential, as there remains ample scope to attract more visitors to this part of the Union Territory. This is especially relevant considering the decline in visitors during the winter months, exacerbated by the cessation of the annual Darbar Move practice. This practice used to bring cheer among stakeholders, particularly the business community, during winter, as visitors from the Valley were renowned among traders for their purchasing power and propensity to shop while away from home.
This mandatory transit period for the travelers from Kashmir and vice versa from Jammu in both winter and summer seasons respectively was taken by the business communities of two regions as time to make hay but the decision of the government to stop Darbar from moving anywhere to cut the government expenses hit both the regions hard and therefore the need to boost tourism with other added facilities has become utmost necessity.
Of course if one takes the case of tourism in Jammu region, to give impetus to this industry the LG Manoj Sinha's administration has taken many vibrant steps like the launch of first Tulip Garden at Sanasar, which is spread over 40 kanals besides the government is working to develop several new destinations, religious, cultural and heritage sites to open up new economic avenues and fulfill the aspirations of the people.
Jammu and Kashmir has no doubt become the most preferred tourist destination but if one takes Jammu region exclusively there are still many fields which require improvement as most of the time data released to gauge tourist influx to UT is of Kashmir Division and things which are being taken up in Jammu remain unsung making it clear that despite tall claims of government about ending discrimination, things are still gloomy for this not so preferred region.
Of course, Kashmir deserves more for it being paradise on the earth but this should not overshadow the potential of Jammu region as this has its own unique features and if the government takes up things in a rational way it could allure a great number of flocks of tourists surpassing the number coming to this place right now.
With unmatched vividness of cultures residing in this part of the world just by collaborating and roping in people from different aboriginal ethnicities in Jammu Division, food courts could be developed showcasing varieties of delicacies people enjoy here like Dogri food, delicacies of tribal communities, Pahari food, even things prepared by residents of Doda and Kishtwar belts, Poonchi dishes, and of course the famous Wazwan ( Because it is not necessary to relish Kashmiri food when in Kashmir only).
In Jammu Division, the people have certain religious sentiments, therefore it is advisable that the food courts should be distinct as one gallery providing non vegetarian food items and the other meant exclusively for the pure vegetarians as this will also ensure hordes of people to these places and in return Jammu can have good times with boost in economy and also an executable counter against the unemployment. Even the government can think about going into PPP mode to develop such facilities in Jammu and other places thronged by the visitors to make a difference and explore tourism potential full throttle.
This initiative and many more can change the course of the tourism sector in Jammu therefore the policy makers should not sit idle until Jammu's tourist data matches with at least the Kashmir Division.
