Waheed Rafeeqi
Bandipora December 31 (KNS) : Gurez valley in Bandipora district is fast emerging as J&K's border tourist destination as official data revealed that over 35,000 tourists which includes local and non-local tourists, thronged the frontier valley this year.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmad told KNS that this year 35000 tourists visited Gurez. "Gurez has become a prominent destination and the administration is committed to showcase the culture and ethnic varieties of the valley to the tourists from across the country. Over 35000 visitors thronged the valley this year", Dr. Owais said.
Meanwhile the locals have expressed their glad over this development and hailed the efforts of the government for bringing an exemplary social change in Gurez with access to network connectivity and promoting the border area as the best tourist spot.
“We are highly thankful to the government bringing Gurez on tourism map", locals said.
Aijaz ahmad a local said that District Administration Bandipora has taken keen interest towards promoting toursim in Gurez and organized Gurez festival to attract toursits. He said besides authorities developed infrastructure, mostly network and first time our roads were magdamizied that attracts more toursits towards Gurez.
Pertinently the Gurez valley in North Kashmir's Bandipora was also awarded "best offbeat" distinction recently. (KNS)