Hyderabad: The Domestic Tour Operators Association of Jammu and Kashmir (DTOAK) in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir  Tourism organised a Road Show to promote tourism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir here at The Plaza Hotel, Hyderabad. The road show was graced by Mr. Lateef Ahmad Poswal, Director Finance, J&K Tourism; Mr. Hamid Wangnoo, President, DTOAK; Mr. Shameem, M.D., J&K Cable Car Corporation; Mr. B. Venkatesham, IAS, Secretary (Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture Department), Govt. of Telangana and others.

Addressing the gathering Mr. Lateef said that we are here to promote tourism in J&K state and to remove negative perception in members of travel fraternity and common people. Jammu and Kashmir is the safest place as far as tourism is concerned, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, B. Venkatesham, IAS, Secretary Tourism, Telangana Government told that it is time for the people of the country to stand with the people of Kashmir. He urged the travel fraternity of Hyderabad and Telangana to promote tourism to a part of our nation that is paradise on earth.

Mr. Shameem informed that last year in 2018, J&K had over 9.5 lakh domestic tourists mainly from Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath pilgrims. One million international tourists visited the state in 2018.

Kashmir is much more than what one gets to read in the news about. It offers unmatched scenic beauty and hospitality. DTOAK urged people to visit J&K in the upcoming season, said Mr. Hamid Wangnoo, President, DTOAK.

The conditions in J&K are largely peaceful, J&K is the favourite destination of people in India and people can come to the state without any fear during the coming summer vacations, he said. The most number of tourists visiting J&K are from Gujarat. Tourists from South India especially from cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai have increased during last year, Mr. Hamid said.

The tour and travel agents, hospitality sector and houseboat industry are offering huge discounts to visit major destinations in Kashmir like Historical Gardens, hill stations like Yusmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, etc. J&K state offers sightseeing, adventure tourism and sports like rafting, treking, skiing, fishing, paragliding, etc., he said.

 

Lesser known destinations like Kashtiward, Badirwah, Doodhpathri, Gurez, Bangus Valley, etc. offer unique experience to tourists. A good number of 3 and 5 star hotels offer economical accommodation facilities. Plus, the Houseboats offer unique, novel and heritage accommodation.