On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the region has become well-known as a tourist destination, and the government has taken many steps to promote tourism.
While speaking in the legislative assembly, CM Abdullah mentioned the efforts made by the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir to develop Gurez Valley as a unique tourist spot. He also said that the department will look into the need to create a Tourism Development Authority for Gurez and will take the necessary steps accordingly.
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In 2022, Gurez Valley won the "Best of the Destination" award, and in September 2023, Dawar village in Gurez received the "Best Tourism Village" award in the gold category from the Union Ministry of Tourism.
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During his speech in the Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "Jammu and Kashmir has recently gained recognition as a tourist destination. In 2022, Gurez Valley received the best of the destination award emphasising its appeal as a unique and emerging tourist spot. Additionally, in September 2023, Dawar village in Gurez was honoured with the best tourism village award in the gold category by the Union Ministry of Tourism... This accolade highlights the village's cultural richness and tourism potential. To promote Gurez as a new tourist destination, the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir has taken several initiatives."
He also mentioned that in 2024, commercial rafting started in Gurez for the first time. Additionally, the Tourism Department has planned to develop Gurez as an offbeat destination. Under the current year CAPEX Budget 2024-25 Part B, the department will examine the need for creating a Tourism Development Authority for Gurez and will consider the matter accordingly.
Jammu and Kashmir has seen a large increase in the number of tourists in the last two years, according to the Tourism Department. In 2023, the region welcomed 2.12 crore tourists, and in 2024, that number increased to 2.36 crore. The area also saw a rise in international tourists, with 55,337 visiting in 2023, which grew to 65,452 in 2024.