Jammu and Kashmir to host winter games and other cultural activities to lure tourists

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing snowfall in some of the regions already. With snowfall coming as a blessing, state's tourism industry just got the much-needed kick it required. As per the news reports, the valley even witnessed an increase in the footfall of tourists during the last month.

Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Secretary Sarmad Hafiz informed that several activities will be organised across the Union Territory to boost tourism in the region, including the national winter games, which will be hosted at Gulmarg in February 2021 under the Khelo India initiative. He also added that Jammu Cultural Festival and ethnic Dogri Food Festival will also be organised in the coming days.
Hafiz noted that although the number of visitors arriving in the valley via air remained less than 100 for the past several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scenario is gradually changing. He stated the arrivals have increased more than 15 times than it was a month ago.
Hafiz elaborated that a festival at the famous Patnitop near Jammu is also on the cards, along with the ethnic Dogri food festival that will likely be organised in the coming days.

He said, “We are trying to link tourism with culture so that the people coming here can have a good local experience during their stay.”
Hafiz also reiterated that the steps taken by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to boost tourism and other activities have not been taken by any other state.

While responding to a question regarding easing the screening process of visitors arriving in the UT, including testing for COVID-19, he added that these are things which are necessary for the safety of everyone.