Mumbai: Inviting people from South India to experience the real Jammu & Kashmir, Priya Sethi, Minister of State for Tourism, said the State offers an array of facilities to cater to every type of tourism needs of the visitors – be it business, adventure or religious tourism. She was speaking at the J&K Tourism road show and press meet organised in Bengaluru by the Department of Tourism, J&K to promote J&K among travellers from South India.
“People have apprehensions about visiting Kashmir, but I must tell you that Jammu & Kashmir is one of the safest tourism destinations,” the Minister affirmed. She also invited corporates to hold their conventions and meetings in J&K, saying the State has some of the finest properties in India to host such events.
Sarmad Hafeez, Tourism Secretary, said: “J&K is diverse in every aspect – be it culture, handicrafts, cuisine, landscape, religion or architecture. It is a complete package for a traveller to experience variety in one state,” he said, adding, “J&K is home to many famous gardens and heritage sites like Pari Mahal, Hari Parbat Fort, 3,000-plus year-old Burzuhama ruins, Mubrak Mandi, Shankaracharya Temple, one of the biggest sun temples in India Martand Sun Temple which was built in the 8th century, the Nara Nag Temple ruins, and also famous sufi shrines like Char-i-Sharief, Mukhdoom Sahaib, Ashmukam, Khankah Mohallah and many more.”
Hafeez, who is also the MD of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) said they have already announced 50 per cent rebate on all their properties across J&K. “The hoteliers and the hotel associations have also announced rebate on their properties which can be availed on holiday packages to Kashmir,” he said.