Faizan Wani
Srinagar, Mar 16 (KNO): A parliamentary panel has recommended to the Union Home Ministry to request the ministries of Finance and Tourism to work out a roadmap and extend a ‘special financial package' for revival of tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
In its report the department-related parliamentary standing committee on MHA said that during its visit to J&K, the representatives of tourism and hospitality industry informed visiting MPs that they have immensely suffered due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns.
“The committee takes note of the steps taken for the development and promotion of tourism in the UT of J&K. However, during the visit of the committee to J&K, the representatives of tourism and hospitality industry informed the committee that they have immensely suffered due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns. The committee is of the view that the tourism and hospitality sector, apart from generating large revenue, is a major source of livelihood for the people of J&K. Therefore, the committee recommends that MHA may request the ministries of Finance and Tourism to chalk out a roadmap and extend a ‘special financial package' for active revival of tourism and hospitality sector in J&K,” reads the report.
The committee was informed that the J&K Tourism Department has made plans to launch an extensive promotion campaign within and outside the UT.
“A series of events have been scheduled within J&K and a festival/event calendar has been prepared. Besides organizing various events to celebrate the winter and snow in the winter destinations like Gulmarg, Patnitop, Pahalgam, etc. The department is planning to celebrate the upcoming spring season in Kashmir and Jammu divisions with grand events at Badamwari Srinagar and Tulip Festival in Asia's Largest Tulip Garden,” the report states.
