Tourist Police Chief Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Md Abu Kalam Siddique has said that incident in Bandarban will not have any impact on the tourist sector of Bangladesh.  He said the reporters after the inauguration of a zonal office in Jamgara area of Ashulia in Savar on Saturday (April 6). Tourist Police chief said, "Our joint forces are operating in the hill areas. Security measures have also been strengthened. These isolated incidents will not have any impact on the tourist sector of Bangladesh. We have taken adequate security measures on the occasion of Pahela Boishakh celebration."

Tourism plays an important role in the economies of countries like Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. But visitor bookings are falling because of fears around the nearby conflict in the Gaza Strip. Moustafa Hassan is slowly starting to worry. "Sharm [el-Sheikh] is safe, it is a city of peace," insisted the Egyptian man who works as a food and beverage manager at a hotel in the popular resort town. But potential visitors seem to be thinking twice about coming, the 50-year-old father of four told DW.  "The number of tourists to Egypt has decreased due to the Gaza war," Hassan noted. Sharm el-Sheikh is about a three-hour drive from the Israeli border and, of all of Egypt's traditional tourist sites, closest to Israel's border with Egypt.  In early October the militant, Islamist Hamas group, classified as a terrorist organization by the US, the EU, Germany and others, launched an attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and foreigners. Since then Israel has been bombing the Gaza Strip, where Hamas is based, and at latest count, around 14,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.  A temporary truce that was due to expire on Thursday has been extended by a day, but the conflict is expected to be ongoing. Some resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh depend on visitors from Israel, Hassan continued, and these guests are not coming because of what is happening back home. Other hotels, catering mostly to European holidaymakers, are suffering because those tourists are worried about their safety in the Middle East. But as Egypt slips further into an economic crisis and the Egyptian pound continues to devalue, a slump in the sector is the last thing locals need. Tourism makes up between 10% to 15% of Egypt's gross domestic product every year. Impact only just starting to be felt "Tourism is a source of income for workers in the tourism sector but also for those connected to it from afar, such as in taxis, supermarkets, diving centers and amusement parks," Hassan explained. Right now, it seems the slowdown is only just starting, possibly because those travelers who couldn't get a refund still went ahead as planned. The problem will become more apparent as future reservations are tallied, travel agents and tour operators said, adding that these have already fallen over the past two months. It is still too early to tell what the impact will be, Dubai- and Beirut-based financial consultancy Nasser Saidi and Associates confirmed in a market briefing at the end of October. But the early signs are worrying, the briefing added, noting that since early October, ticket purchases for Egypt had fallen 26%, for Jordan by 49% and for Lebanon by 74% compared to the same period last year. This is despite the fact that there are few official travel warnings issued by governments for anywhere outside of the main sites of the conflict ­— that is, Israel, Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The US government has also advised its citizens not to go to Lebanon because of the presence of the Hezbollah group there; before the current cease-fire, Hezbollah's armed wing and the Israeli army were exchanging fire over the southern Lebanese border. As a result, even after a particularly successful summer, Lebanese visitor numbers have plummeted. Local media report hotel occupancy rates of between zero and 7% compared to hotels usually being at least a quarter full. Hezbollah is an Iran-backed Shiite political party and militant group in Lebanon. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by the US, Germany and several Sunni Arab countries, while the EU lists its armed wing as a terrorist group. Lebanon's crisis-riven economy remains heavily dependent on tourism with the sector providing as much as 40% of its national income, which has decreased during the current financial crisis. Travelers have also been advised to avoid going to any areas of Egypt or Jordan directly bordering Israel. But most popular tourist destinations tend to be a good distance away from those locations. Jordan tourism 'sluggish' Next door to Israel, Jordan has also seen around half its hotel reservations cancelled in October, Hussein Helalat, spokesperson for the Jordan Hotel Association, told local media earlier this month. After finally recovering from the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan's hoteliers had been expecting an almost 95% occupancy rate during the final quarter of this year. Now, they might possibly hit 80%, Helalat said. Sites like Petra, with its world-famous archeology, were particularly affected because it was mostly Americans and Europeans who came to see these. In Jordan, tourism regularly brings in between 11% and 15% of the country's national income. Jordanian tourism entrepreneur and marketing consultant Najwan al-Masri has been watching the numbers carefully too. The figures for November, as compiled by the local tourism board, are not yet out, she told DW, but there was a slight decline, from September to October. It's gone from 760,000 visitors in September to 730,000 in October, al-Masri noted. "As a stakeholder in the tourism industry, I've observed a significant downturn in activity from the beginning of this month," al-Masri continued, "including a sluggish movement from international visitors and also within the local market." Other destinations have also been hard hit, like Israel, for obvious reasons. Bethlehem, which Christians believe to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, usually sees its busiest time during the Christmas holiday. However, in the middle of November, Palestinian Christians in the city decided that there should be no public celebrations while the conflict goes on in Gaza. So far, impact on other countries restricted Some other nearby destinations have also felt the impact but it's been less pronounced. Morocco and Tunisia both experienced a drop of bookings between 15% and 20%, tour operators told France's Le Monde newspaper earlier this month. And in nearby Cyprus, Israeli tourists previously made up around 15% of all visitors and were the second biggest group to holiday there after Britain; they're not coming now because of fighting at home. As to how long the slump in this all-important sector will go on in the region, or what the end effect will be, that remains as uncertain as a lasting resolution to the conflict in Gaza. For now, things still seem to be alright, Hassan, the hospitality manager in Sharm el-Sheikh, said. "But when hotel owners find their source of income is decreasing due to the lack of tourists, they will think about reducing expenses. And they see that salaries are the primary expenses," he suggested. "In the event of a prolonged war, the entire tourism industry — and especially small businesses that have been thriving in recent years with significant investments from young Jordanians — stands to suffer," Jordanian tourism consultant al-Masri concluded. The Christmas period is always an important time for tourism and if the conflict continues, "the jeopardy extends to our next season," she said.

PM Sheikh Hasina today stressed cooperation among Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives for mutual benefits to flourish tourism. It will open the door to endless possibilities on tourism. "Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives can have cooperation on tourism for mutual benefits," she said. The prime minister also conveyed her regards to the newly elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. The premier made the remarks while the outgoing Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiruzimath Sameer called on her at the latter's official Ganabhaban residence here.  "Discussion on tourism was held during the meeting," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told a news briefing after the meeting. The envoy said Bangladesh has huge potential in tourism particularly in Cox's Bazar which has the world's longest sandy sea beach. The Bangladesh premier said many Bangladeshi workers have been working in Maldives. "They are contributing to both of the country's economy," she said. The Maldives envoy thanked the prime minister for her government's all-out support to discharge her duties during her tenure. "Maldives and Bangladesh relations have reached a new height during her tenure," she said. Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed cooperation among Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives for mutual benefits to flourish tourism, on monday (November 20). "Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives can have cooperation on tourism for mutual benefits," she said. The premier made the remarks while the outgoing Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiruzimath Sameer called on her at the latter's official Ganabhaban residence here. "Discussion on tourism was held during the meeting," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told a news briefing after the meeting. The prime minister also conveyed her regards to the newly elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. The envoy said Bangladesh has huge potential in tourism particularly in Cox's Bazar which has the world's longest sandy sea beach. The Bangladesh premier said many Bangladeshi workers have been working in Maldives. "They are contributing to both of the country's economy," she said. The Maldives envoy thanked the prime minister for her government's all-out support to discharge her duties during her tenure. "Maldives and Bangladesh relations have reached a new height during her tenure," she said. Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present. Sorce: BSS

After a prolonged hiatus, international travellers are once again flocking to the enchanting and picturesque destination of Kashmir. From January 1 to June 19 this year, an impressive surge of over 15,000 foreign tourists has reconnected with the Valley, and authorities expect this number to increase significantly by the end of the year. This resurgence in tourism is a promising sign for the region, as it indicates the restoration of confidence and interest among travellers in visiting this breathtaking part of the world. According to official statements from the tourism department, the number of foreign tourists exploring the Valley between January and June 19 stood at an impressive 15,161. This figure is a significant leap from the previous year's records, which saw only 4,028 foreign visitors during the same period. The sharp increase indicates a growing attraction towards Kashmir as a preferred destination among international travellers. Several factors have played a crucial role in rekindling the interest of foreign tourists in Kashmir. Firstly, the improved security situation and stability in the region have been instrumental in boosting confidence among travellers. The concerted efforts of the local administration and security forces to create a safe and welcoming environment have paid off, as visitors now feel more secure and comfortable exploring the Valley. The proactive promotion of tourism by the government and tourism department, both domestically and internationally, has played a vital role. Collaborative marketing campaigns, roadshows, and participation in global tourism events have helped in projecting Kashmir as a must-visit destination. The pristine natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and unique experiences offered by the Valley have also contributed to its allure. Kashmir's appeal lies in its awe-inspiring landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, serene lakes, and meandering rivers. The majestic Dal Lake, located in Srinagar, offers tourists the opportunity to experience the iconic Shikara boat rides, stay in traditional houseboats, and enjoy the vibrant floating markets. The enchanting hill stations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg provide breathtaking views, adventure sports, and opportunities for trekking, skiing, and mountaineering. Furthermore, Kashmir is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The region boasts historical monuments, including the magnificent Mughal Gardens, ancient temples, and Sufi shrines. The vibrant local markets offer a delightful shopping experience, with traditional handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, exquisite jewellery, and aromatic spices being popular souvenirs. The resurgence of tourism in Kashmir brings not only joy to the hearts of locals but also economic prosperity. The influx of foreign tourists stimulates the hospitality industry, creating employment opportunities and income generation. The rise in tourism also promotes small-scale businesses, such as handicrafts, local cuisine, and transportation services, contributing to the overall development of the region. Moreover, tourism plays a significant role in preserving Kashmir's rich cultural heritage. As visitors immerse themselves in the local traditions, arts, and crafts, there is a renewed appreciation for the region's cultural legacy. This appreciation encourages the preservation of ancestral skills and practices, benefiting local artisans and artisans' communities. "While the revival of tourism in Kashmir is an encouraging trend, it is essential to address the challenges that may arise. Ensuring sustainable tourism practices, preserving the natural environment, and maintaining the delicate ecological balance are crucial. Additionally, continuous efforts should be made to provide a safe and secure environment for travellers, dispel any misconceptions about the region, and improve infrastructure and connectivity," said Umer Reyaz, a local. "The tourism department, In collaboration with local stakeholders, should focus on diversifying tourism offerings, including adventure tourism, cultural festivals, and wellness retreats, to attract a broader range of travellers. Embracing digital marketing strategies, social media promotions, and leveraging technology can also help in expanding the reach and visibility of Kashmir as a desirable destination," said Rameez Ahmad, a young entrepreneur from Bandipora. The recent surge in foreign tourists visiting Kashmir between January and June 19 indicates a promising revival of tourism in the region. The improved security situation, proactive promotion, breathtaking natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage have played a pivotal role in reigniting the interest of travellers. This resurgence brings economic benefits to the local communities and also contributes to the preservation of Kashmir's unique culture and traditions.  

Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein while highlighting the vast potential and opportunities for investment in Arunachal Pradesh owing to its abundance in natural resources and favourable climate on June 10 urged the private companies to invest and establish industries in the state, especially in the agro-based industries, food processing units and other ventures. “There is immense scope for several industries in the state to flourish and scale beyond regional and national markets including agri-based, tourism and more. I urge the entrepreneurs and investors in varied fields to explore the potentials of the state including agro-based industries and be a partner in the journey towards compounding the economic growth of Arunachal Pradesh,” said DyCM Chowna Mein in a social media post after attending the C20 Summit Corporate meeting. The C20 Summit being held in Namsai has brought together foreign diplomats, resource persons, intellectuals and delegates from various civil society organizations from G20 countries. The event, organized by Vivekananda Kendra and G20 Secretariat of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted in the picturesque “Land of Pagodas” has opened up a platform to discuss the potentials for investments and challenges of Arunachal Pradesh. Addressing the meeting, the deputy CM stated that the state offers immense opportunities for cultural tourism, religious tourism, eco-tourism and adventure tourism covering activities like trekking, river rafting & mountaineering, as well as sports and research tourism, due to its rich bio and cultural diversity. The state’s numerous torrential & perennial rivers such as Siang, Dibang, Subansiri, Kameng, Lohit offer immense hydropower generation possibilities. Arunachal Pradesh alone has the capacity to generate 50,000 MW of hydro-electricity, positioning it as a powerhouse for the country, he said. While highlighting the state’s remarkable progress including in the connectivity sector, he however added that despite its tremendous potential, Arunachal Pradesh faces certain limitations in terms of marketing, agro-processing units, skilled manpower and in research & development which needs to be improved. In this regard, he sought the intervention of private companies to invest and establish industries such as agro-based industries, food processing units and other ventures and help to overcome these challenges, a statement from the DyCM’s office said. It added, the C20 Summit at Namsai is serving as a platform to highlight the untapped potential of Arunachal Pradesh and invite national and international industrialists to explore investment opportunities in the state. With the support and collaboration of stakeholders, Arunachal Pradesh aims to transform into a thriving hub of sustainable economic growth, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for its people. Source: thenewsmill.com

Though some parts of Jammu and Kashmir are struggling economically, the region overall is seeing a tourism revival after Article 370 was abrogated in 2019 by the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Kashmir, the centre of tensions between India and Pakistan, is seeing a boom in tourism. India aimed to spotlight Kashmir's stability, at a conference on tourism held under the auspices of the Group of 20 major economies, which India chaired this year on May 22-24. The art and play industry is also booming back in Jammu and Kashmir after 370 was removed. Ladishah, a storytelling musical genre of Jammu and Kashmir, was slowly and steadily dying. But a few youngsters are reinventing the old musical storytelling technique to preserve Kashmir's age-old fading culture. Since the tourism industry is booming rapidly, the Administrative Council (AC) chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha last week gave approval to the absorption of 145 Employees of Hotel Corporation of India Limited (HCIL) working at Centaur Lake View Hotel, Srinagar, into different corporations under the Tourism Department. The decision was taken on the recommendations of the committee that the Union Territory of J-K will absorb the existing staff of the Hotel Corporation of India Limited on the existing terms and conditions.  New Delhi grabbed this opportunity and showed through the event with delegates from more than two dozen countries, that life was returning to normal in the region after years of conflict. At the famous Dal Lake, the delegates were seen enjoying colourful boat rides in Shikaras. "Ended the day with a scenic shikara ride on the Dal Lake followed by a cultural performance and delicious wazwan dinner! Thank you@g20org@JandKTourism@srinagaradmin@tourismgoi for the impeccable arrangements!" tweeted Singapore in India. The mega G20 tourism meet in Srinagar has clearly caught the attention of international media, with many of them highlighting India's efforts of showcasing the restoration of stability and normalcy in Kashmir. In a resounding display of cultural opulence and artistic finesse, the G20 delegates at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) found themselves captivated by the exquisite handicrafts of Kashmir. The third Tourism Working Group meeting witnessed a vibrant gathering of craftsmen and vendors, as they showcased their masterpieces to an international audience. From the plush Pashmina shawls that enveloped visitors in luxurious warmth to the hand-woven carpets that told stories through intricate patterns, the tapestry of Kashmir's artisanal brilliance was on full display. Delicate hand-embroidered fabrics, exquisitely carved walnut wood masterpieces, ancient Kangris (fire pots), and vibrant papier-mache art added further depth to the exhibition. The Jammu and Kashmir government set up a special food stall Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) Millet Hub" for foreign delegates at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar during G20 meetings. Jammu Kashmir was once a place where schools remained closed for extended periods, but now even girls are visiting schools without any fear from the extremist militants. District Development Commissioner Doda, Vishesh Mahajan along with Senior Superintendent of Police, Abdul Qayoom on Tuesday inaugurated the All India Women Cricket Championship here in Sports Stadium Doda. The tournament is being organised by the Department of Physical Education and Sports, Government Degree College Doda in collaboration with Sports & Fitness Hub, Doda. Around 8 teams including teams from Uttar Pradesh, Hyderabad, GDC Doda, and GMC Doda are participating in the tournament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face appeared on billboards showing India's role in the G-20, with slogans like "Srinagar: the city beautiful," Wall Street Journal reported. Local business owners also agree that they have seen an economic revival. Tangmarg and Gulmarg, two picturesque health resorts in north Kashmir's Baramullah District have undergone a remarkable transformation by implementing a beautification plan by the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Kashmir. Expenditure of Rs 1.64 crore on the beautification project aimed at repairing, redeveloping, restoring municipal assets, and enhancing the overall appeal of these towns. on May 30, the plan was approved by the ULB Kashmir while the works were completed by the Municipal Committee Tangmarg, Gulmarg. Jawed Bakhar, 43 years old, said tourists have flocked back to his souvenir shop, which sells the area's famed cashmere pashmina shawls. "The tourism business is good," he said. During the G20 event, Singapore's High Commissioner to India Simon Wong has praised the beauty of Kashmir and said that he is "very happy" to be in Srinagar. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Simon Wong said, "Very happy to be in Srinagar. Pure beauty. Thank u so much for your warm welcome. HC Wong." New Delhi said that its 2019 move to revoke the partially autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir would help stabilize the area's economy, protecting it from militant separatist groups and allowing the region to draw in more investment and migration. The move proved its correctness when the G20 event was completed peacefully without any potential terrorist activity. Jitendra Singh, a government minister and parliament member from the area, said at the G20 event that Kashmiris are ready to seize economic opportunities after years of terrorism. "The common man has moved on," he said at a news conference, adding, "He can see the enormous opportunities unfolded by Modi across the country, and he does not wish to miss the bus." Some countries protested India's decision to host the event in Kashmir. Pakistan, who isn't even a member of the G20, condemned the move, and expansionist China, which has territorial disputes with India, boycotted the meeting. Indian officials at the event described an economic renewal bolstered by an influx of more than 18 million tourists to Jammu and Kashmir last year, up from 7.7 million in 2008. Indian officials have said the overall economy, which is heavily agrarian, grew by an estimated 8 per cent in the past fiscal year. But some sectors like manufacturing have struggled in a region that suffers from frequent power outages and lack of connectivity with the rest of India. This is also because of geographical and climatic conditions. Railway connectivity was an area, in which J-K was lagging behind for years, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre, thumping progress has been made towards connecting the region with the rest of the country. In July 2014, after inaugurating the 25-km Udhampur-Katra railway line in July 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the people that Kashmir would be connected and integrated with the rest of the country during his tenure. While the unemployment rate has fallen from a peak of more than 30 per cent last year to 23.1 per cent in March this year, the fall was India's third highest, behind the states of Haryana and Rajasthan, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, Wall Street Journal reported. The G20 summit in Srinagar is a step towards projecting Jammu and Kashmir as international film shooting destinations. The three-day Tourism Working Group Meeting of G20 delegates in Srinagar on May 22, 2023, commenced with the side event on "Film Tourism for Economic and Cultural Preservation." Participants deliberated upon the importance of film tourism and its impact on the economy and culture. They unanimously agreed upon the fact that J-K is the best place to shoot the films. With the G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting being held in Srinagar, North Kashmir's Bandipora district is leveraging the opportunity to promote its famous products to foreign delegates attending the summit. These products include black cumin (kala jeera) from Gurez Valley, organic rajma (kidney beans) from Tulail Valley and exquisite paper mache art pieces from the Sumbal subdivision. These offerings highlight the district's diverse and rich products. Jammu and Kashmir haven't held assembly elections since 2014. But elections are expected later this year after New Delhi implemented new rules that allow more residents to vote, Wall Street Journal reported. The tourism rebound has been a tremendous help for the locals that had to keep their businesses closed when the militancy was at its peak. Sameer Ahmed, a 34-year-old manager of a store selling Kashmiri cashmere, said that earlier political instability had forced the shop to close for an average of six months each year during the past seven years. Covid lockdowns also hurt. Ahmed said sales have bounced back to pre-Covid levels after India lifted pandemic restrictions, triggering a surge in tourist arrivals. "It's like they broke out of jail," he said of the visitors. Nadeem Mulla, a 29-year-old travel agent from Gujarat, was on holiday in Kashmir along with 37 members of his extended family. He said they had admired the lush pine trees and clear lakes, and that the entire trip was costing him thousands of dollars, Wall Street Journal reported. "I'm spending like crazy," he said. Many hotel operators and souvenir shop owners say they are cautiously optimistic, but they are still bracing for possible future turmoil. Anees Noor's family houseboat, outfitted with thick Kashmiri rugs and carved wooden furniture, was booked out almost every single day during last year's summer season. Demand was so high that he tripled the rate to 10,000 rupees, equivalent to USD 120, a night, Wall Street Journal reported. "There was not a single empty room," he said. Still, the 23-year-old said his family is stocking up on rice and cooking oil in case tensions boil over again. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated the Jambu Zoo at Nagrota and said that the new addition to the tourist destinations of J-K will attract both local residents and tourists visiting the Union Territory. "Spread over the 70-hectare area, the new addition to the tourist destinations of J-K UT attracts both local residents and tourists visiting Union Territory," LG Sinha said. The recent G20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir has given foreign dignitaries and observers a good opportunity to witness a change in the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370, Federico Giuliani wrote in Inside Over, an Italian-based news website. The three-day G20 meetings in Srinagar were concluded last week where various foreign dignitaries came and took a tour of the city.

The beautiful region of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, now the upcoming G20 summit is providing a unique opportunity to showcase the region’s tourism potential on the global stage. In preparation for the G20 summit, Jammu and Kashmir government is launching new initiatives and tourist attractions. One such addition is the hot air balloon ride and trekking expedition at Zabarwan Park in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Tourism, inaugurated the initiative. The hot air balloon ride offers visitors a bird’s eye view of the beautiful valley and its surroundings, providing tourists with a unique and thrilling experience. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Tourism, expressed high hopes that the visiting delegates from different countries who will attend the summit will act as ambassadors to promote the region as a global tourist destination. “We are expecting that the delegates visiting J-K will promote the UT as a global tourist destination,” he said, adding that the G20 event would help to project J&K positively at the global level. “We are continuously striving to create new and unique experiences for tourists visiting J&K. The hot air balloon ride is one such experience that will add to the charm of Srinagar and attract more visitors”, Shah said. With the support of the visiting delegates, the Jammu and Kashmir government hopes to highlight the many tourist destinations in the area, including historical landmarks, beautiful valleys, and adventure sports activities, he said. The region is already home to popular tourist attractions such as the Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Gulmarg ski resort. The G20 summit provides an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a major global tourist destination. Shah further said that the government is confident that with the support of the international community, the region will become a leading tourist destination. “We will continue to work towards achieving this goal”, he added. “Upcoming G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a political event, but also a chance for the region to showcase its tourism potential to the world. With new initiatives and attractions, Jammu and Kashmir is well on its way to becoming a leading global tourist destination”, Shah said. 

The beautiful region of Jammu and Kashmir is already known for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, but now the upcoming G20 summit is providing a unique opportunity to showcase the area's tourism potential on the global stage. According to Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Tourism, the visiting delegates from different countries who will attend the summit will act as ambassadors to promote the region as a global tourist destination. "We are expecting that the delegates visiting J&K will promote the UT as a global tourist destination," he said, adding that the G20 event would help to project J&K positively at the global level. As part of its preparation for the summit, Jammu and Kashmir government is launching new initiatives and attractions for tourists to enjoy. One such addition is the hot air balloon and trekking expedition at Zabarwan Park, which was inaugurated by Shah. The hot air balloon ride offers visitors a bird's eye view of the beautiful valley and its surroundings, providing a unique and thrilling experience for tourists. "We are continuously striving to create new and unique experiences for tourists visiting J&K. The hot air balloon ride is one such experience that will add to the charm of Srinagar and attract more visitors," said Shah. With the help of the visiting delegates, the Jammu and Kashmir government hopes to highlight the many tourist destinations in the area, including historic landmarks, beautiful valleys, and adventure sports activities. The region is already home to popular tourist attractions such as the Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Gulmarg ski resort. The G20 summit provides an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a major global tourist destination. The government is confident that with the support of the international community, the region will become a leading tourist destination. As Shah noted, "We will continue to work towards achieving this goal." The upcoming G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a political event, but also a chance for the region to showcase its tourism potential to the world. With new initiatives and attractions, Jammu and Kashmir is well on its way to becoming a leading global tourist destination.

Jammu and Kashmir is set to become prime destination for the film industry as the government has identified around 300 unexplored destinations for film shootings. The Union Territory government and Tourism Department have taken this initiative to promote the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, which was once a prime destination for filmmakers during the 1960s and 1970s. With the revival of film tourism in the state, J-K aims to attract production houses and filmmakers to shoot their movies, web series, and serials in the state. "We are projecting 300 destinations for film shooting so that the production houses can choose any destination for their shooting. The government will facilitate them in all possible ways," said Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Administrative Secretary of the J-K Tourism Department. In the last year, more than 200 films, web series, and serials were shot in J-K, which is a great sign of the revival of film tourism in Kashmir. The government has ensured a proper system in place to facilitate the shooting of films with the permission and regulatory requirements done through a one-stop centre. The government has also developed an online portal to facilitate the production houses for their shooting in J-K. Jammu and Kashmir is set to become prime destination for the film industry as the government has identified around 300 unexplored destinations for film shootings. The Union Territory government and Tourism Department have taken this initiative to promote the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, which was once a prime destination for filmmakers during the 1960s and 1970s. With the revival of film tourism in the state, J-K aims to attract production houses and filmmakers to shoot their movies, web series, and serials in the state. "We are projecting 300 destinations for film shooting so that the production houses can choose any destination for their shooting. The government will facilitate them in all possible ways," said Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Administrative Secretary of the J-K Tourism Department. In the last year, more than 200 films, web series, and serials were shot in J-K, which is a great sign of the revival of film tourism in Kashmir. The government has ensured a proper system in place to facilitate the shooting of films with the permission and regulatory requirements done through a one-stop centre. The government has also developed an online portal to facilitate the production houses for their shooting in J-K. "Major film stars were recently here in Kashmir for a week and shot across the Valley. I give an open invitation to all of them to shoot their films here," Shah said. "The rising issue of substance abuse is also highlighted in the trailer of the upcoming movie 'Welcome to Kashmir'. Speaking on this, Shah said substance abuse is a social issue that is prevailing at a global level and in J-K as well. "It needs a collaborative approach of the society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our society works hard towards the eradication of this menace," Shah added. The movie 'Welcome to Kashmir' aims to promote Kashmiri culture and showcase its beauty and positivity to the world. The director of the movie, Tariq Bhat, wants to take the audience on a journey through Kashmir with his debut movie, where the beauty of the land is surpassed only by the warmth and resilience of its inhabitants. The movie delves into crucial issues that plague Kashmir, such as women's empowerment, women's safety, drug addiction, and the role of the J-K Police. "The movie is a message of hope, positivity, and empowerment for the people of Kashmir. It aims to break stereotypes, presenting a true and positive image of Kashmir, its people, and its culture," Bhat said. With the upcoming G20 summit on tourism to be hosted in Srinagar, Shah said it provides a great opportunity to promote tourism in J-K. "We can promote adventure tourism, film tourism, and relish tourism besides other sectors as well," Shah added. As the UT government takes the initiative to promote film tourism, J-K is poised to attract filmmakers from all over the world to shoot their movies, web series, and serials in the UT With its natural beauty and cultural heritage, J-K is all set to become a prime destination for the film industry.