Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) has announced massive rebates to travellers planning to visit the Valley in order to boost tourism.

The Deputy Director of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, Ghulam Jeelani Zagar said in Kolkata, “Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) will provide 50 per cent rebate on lodging and transport charges or even on total packages in some cases to the tourists visiting the Valley.

“Even private tourism players were offering 32 per cent concessions in boarding and lodging or on total packages to the tourists.”

He tried to allay the apprehensions of tourists about the situation in the Valley. He said, “Jammu and Kashmir is well protected and there is maximum safety and security for the tourists.

“The recent terrorist activities were near the border areas. Hotel, transport owners and locals have taken up the work to provide safety to the tourists.

“The tourists can contact Jammu and Kashmir tourism office in Kolkata or any tourist office in Kashmir. The offices will provide fast services to keep the tourists safe,” he said.

In the backdrop of the fact that since many years Bengal has topped the list of domestic tourist inflow to the Valley, he welcomed the tourists from the state as well the eastern region.

In Jammu and Kashmir, tourists can opt do leisure, pilgrim, adventure, water sports, golf, MICE and heritage tourism.

Stating that tourist inflow in the Valley during 2016-17 was nearly 17 lakh, Zargar hoped that the number would swell this time too following the massive campaign that has been undertaken to boost the sector.

He said, “Only 35,000 foreign tourists came during the year 2016-17, of which majority were from South Asia. The state government is emphasising on carrying out a mass publicity campaign to attract more tourists from other states and abroad to the Valley.

 “Steps have been taken for proper regulation of traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for smooth movement of vehicles.”

 Dismissing news published on damages to some tourist spots, he said that Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and other places in Kashmir have retained their natural beauty. “Nothing has changed, they are as beautiful as they always were.”

The Department of Tourism Kashmir has made functional helpline numbers. Its officers would be available at prime tourist destinations and police would ensure smooth movement of tourists and their comfortable stay.

Directorate of Tourism Kashmir, in a handout said, “The situation in Kashmir, especially in Srinagar, is in control and tourists can easily move to tourist destinations, which are totally safe and without any disturbances.”

Appealing to the tourists not to panic, it asked them to keep the following numbers handy for any kind of assistance or emergency: Director Tourism Kashmir 9419024542, SP Tourism Mr. Amarjit Singh 9419009728 and 7889562262, SHO Tourism Mr. Suhail 9419018626, Srinagar Airport 01942-303635.

Deputy Director Tourism Mr. Waseem Raja 9419072309, Assistant Director Gulmarg Mr. Ilyas 9419708180, Assistant Director Pahalgam Mr. Bilal Ahmad 9419023611, Incharge Director Kokernag Rubeena 9906606555, Incharge Qazigund Mr. Showkat 9419722730, Incharge Manasbal Mr. Hajjam 9419955899, Incharge Sonamarg Mr Aslam 9419743697.

Guest