Shortly after sundown, when santoor maestro Yaqoob Sheikh and his outfit began playing traditional sufiana music in the sprawling lawns of Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex with expansive Dal lake in the background, the Srinagar city seemed returning to its charming glory.
After a long hiatus, a cultural event was organised in the city, now bouncing back to normalcy after being hit by devastating floods nine months ago followed by prolonged political disorder.
The event on Saturday evening was the inauguration of Jammu & Kashmir Travel Mart, a three-day conclave of tourism stakeholders, domestic and foreign, who gathered to discuss ways and means to promote tourism in the embattled State and to dissuade negative publicity related to the region.
Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed inaugurated the Travel Mart, previously held in Kashmir in 1988. Mufti, reiterated his desire to develop Gulmarg, the world-famous ski-destination in north Kashmir, on the pattern of Davos. He proposed to hold an international conference in Gulmarg much like the World Economic Forum summit.
As many as 180 delegates from the United States, Malaysia, Ukraine, Thailand, Singapore, Turkey and South Africa besides representatives from States across India would hold business sessions focused to offer impetus to J&K’s tourism industry.
The tourism promoters of Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi besides the Union Ministry of Tourism also showcased their interventions. A visibly delighted Mufti asked the audience to become ambassadors for Kashmir to alley the misconceptions created by negative media campaigns.
He said the State Government has prioritised setting up befitting infrastructure for tourists. “The tourists must have a variety. They should not come to remain ensconced in hotel rooms. They must enjoy outside and we will provide them all the facilities,” he said.
While tourist footfall is showing signs of increase with better weather and political situation, the authorities are gearing up to maintain the tempo.
The Chief Minister said after travelling far and wide in many countries, he has found J&K as the best tourist destination in the world. “I interacted with some German tourists in Pahalgam. They said they have been riveted by the beauty. I believe there should be no off-season in Kashmir,” he said.