Srinagar, May 16 (KNS): The hard work of locals motivated by the Indian Army at Kanzalwan finally has fructified as the first homestay of Kanzalwan “The Afsara Homestay” in Gurez valley of Bandipora district attracted visitors on Sunday. 

 

According to a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), a spokesperson said that a drive to accelerate publicity for turning over the tourism landscape in Kanzalwan, the Indian Army coordinated visit of 24 Postgraduate students and two teachers from the Department of Tourism Hospitality and Leisure Studies to Afsara Homestay at Izmarg, freshly built to inaugurate the concept of Homestay Holiday in Kanzalwan for the first time.

 

The statement reads that Dr Reyaz A Qureshi, the University Coordinator praised the new venture of Homestay in the lap of nature in Kanzalwan which stays unexplored till date. He also shared his ideas on promoting tourism in the area.

 

“24 students who have already completed their post-graduation in Tourism and Travel management are on their study tour to the Gurez Valley. The students also shared their ideas for promoting the area in the world of tourism,” it added. 

 

It added that the interaction was conducted in the restaurant setup by the Homestay owner, Hasmat Lone who had arranged for sumptuous tea and snacks for the visitors. 

 

Dr Reyaz, who has also been with J&K Tourism Department, has assured Army and project owner to extend all kind of assistance in promoting the Homestay on behalf of the J&K Tourism Department and The Department of Tourism and Travel Studies, University of Kashmir. 

 

“The Afsara Homestay facility is the first of its kind in Kanzalwan is ready to welcome guests now to explore the untapped marvels of nature treasured in this remote locality. So far the tourists had used this village only as a transit point for their journey towards Dawar and Neeru. With this initiative the locals will have another source of income and improve the economic activity in this area,” it added. (KNS)