Srinagar, Jan 24 (KNS): Director Tourism Dr G N Itoo on Monday said that on the National Tourism Day, the department will revive heritage tourism nearly after two decades in Kashmir and in this connection department will flag off a city tour. 

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Itoo said that Jammu and Kashmir can be an important hub for the heritage tourism as there is enormous potential.

“There are many religious shrines, archeological sites and many other places that can contribute to heritage tourism. Heritage places will help the department to attract foreign visitors, as it will give them a different experience and for this we have constituted a nodal organization that will ensure transport facilities and guides for the visitors,” he said.

Itoo said that due to some unfavourable situation in Kashmir, the heritage tourism went on backfoot, but they will revive it again. 

“I am sure this will boost the tourism of Kashmir. Every year tourism department celebrates National Tourism Day on January 25 but this time in view of Covid19 the department has decided to celebrate the day with limited number of people and the department will held only outdoor events to ensure proper following of Covid protocol,” he said.

He said that on national tourism day the department will host series of events at different tourism locations of Kashmir and the department will also host night sking at Gulmarg as well.

Itoo said that this is for the first time that department is organizing night skiing in Kashmir.

“At the famous Dal Lake, we will hold a mega Shikara rally to celebrate the day and wherever we will organise events, Covid protocols will be strictly followed.

He also urged all the stakeholders of tourism to strictly follow Covid guidelines to ensure safe tourism activities in Kashmir. (KNS)