Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is all set to host a summit of tourist groups from G20 countries in ten days. The meeting is supposed to start a new phase in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT).
The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir are happy and are giving full support to the Jammu and Kashmir Administration to make the program a success, they believe that the event will become a historic event by showing the potential of Jammu and Kashmir as a tourist destination, not just a resort. India, and the rest of the world. It is the first time in the last 70 years that J&K has hosted an international event like the G-20, and this event gives UT an opportunity to showcase its prospects to the market, as well as environmental businesses.
“The G20 summit in Kashmir should promote tourism, and give a platform to the region to showcase its beauty to the world. It is a proud moment for every Kashmiri and an important part of the tourism industry,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, a hotel worker. Srinagar.
“The entire valley is very excited for the G-20. This is the first time that such a service center has been held in the valley. In the past, nothing has been done in this paradise. Our handicrafts and tourism will be showcased on the international platform,” he said. .
Kashmir, known as paradise on earth, is surrounded by the Himalayas. The valley is also known for its hospitality.
Many people in Jammu and Kashmir, including students, are taking part in various activities in preparation for the mass meeting.
An official said that people will understand that Kashmir is planning to host an important conference that will turn the UT into an important tourist destination of the world.
“The people of Kashmir want development as soon as possible. It is because of the will of the people that there should be peace between Jammu and Kashmir UT. It is a happy hope that our youth is eagerly waiting for the speech of Prime Minister Modi. The people of Kashmir believe that this event will be unforgettable in the history of this region and it will pave the way for peace and sustainable development,” he said.
He said that there are no restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir against the visits of foreign dignitaries or important people.
“Srinagar has always had a special place in my heart, I have been following what is happening in UT. You will not believe, I, as a citizen, was happy to hear the news last year that our city of Srinagar will host a meeting. The G20 meeting,” said Mr. Zubair Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla district in north Kashmir. Adding that the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar will be an important occasion that will showcase the potential of the region as a tourist destination.
“Officials have done well in giving change to this valley. Kashmir is turning into a Brand new UT. And it is encouraging to see the international people recognizing the potential of our Jammu and Kashmir UT and the government’s efforts to develop our UT,” he said.
Government sources said the Union Territory (UT) administration is hoping to have more than 100 non-ministerial members representing the G-20 countries. “This is a meeting of tourism stakeholders and it will also boost JK tourism,” said an official.
Dignitaries from 20 different countries will attend the conference and discuss tourism, unemployment, and social development in different areas. The second three-day meeting of the Tourism Working Group Global (TWG), under India’s chairmanship of the G20, is scheduled to begin in Srinagar from May 22 to 24.
Elaborate arrangements have already been made to make this event unique and memorable. In many places, the walls are brightly painted with different designs and colors to show our culture during the G-20 visit. Roads, streets, and parks are renovated and designed to welcome special visitors.
In Srinagar, preparations are in their final stages. A security plan has been put in place for the event, with multi-level security arrangements and traffic diversions, officials said. The main venue, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Center (SKICC), located on the banks of Dal Lake, is getting a Rs 7.5-crore investment, which includes upgrading digital equipment and renovating the exterior and interior.
In addition to the glowing G20 logos placed in several locations, visitors will be greeted by rows of lanterns illuminated in the green, white and orange colors of the national flag.
The UT administration is planning to take the delegation, which is scheduled to stay in Kashmir for four days, on a sightseeing tour of Gulmarg, Baramulla, and Dachigam National Park, which is known as the Kashmir stag.
Official sources said that security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the success of the event. “The administration believes that the G-20 is a good opportunity to showcase the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir on the international platform, and therefore security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the success of the event,” the official said. Adding that everything is in the right direction and there will be no barriers anywhere as educational institutions and markets will be open.
Tourism is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and a major part of the Union territory’s GDP comes from tourism, and tourism players are hoping that the conference will provide more opportunities to the sector.
President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK) Tariq Ghani Bedaba said he was hopeful that it would provide an opportunity to boost tourism here.
“The G-20 tourism summit in Srinagar is the best thing happening in Kashmir. It will send a strong message that Kashmir is a safe tourist destination and people should visit the beautiful place to enjoy its natural beauty and the hospitality of the local people. ,” he said.
As the director of CCIK, Ali Mohammad is also optimistic that the G-20 summit will be useful in showcasing the potential of Jammu and Kashmir as a tourist destination.
He said that Kashmir would see an increase in foreign tourists. “This conference will ensure that foreign tourists will come to Kashmir in large numbers like before the 1990s,” Ali said.
The upcoming G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar will be important to showcase the potential of Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, not only in India, but globally.
Ambassadors and other officials are said to have prepared a comprehensive plan to use the conference to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir UT.
An official familiar with the planning of the meeting said, “Though Kashmir is already known as a tourist destination in the country, the government is preparing a strong and effective plan under ‘Tourism diplomacy’ to increase the number of foreign tourists to Jammu and Kashmir. Also, the proposal and provide more job opportunities for the youth.”
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha earlier on May 04 explained that the G20 meetings are a matter of pride for the country and urged the officials to make efforts to ensure that one of the meetings in Srinagar goes well.
“G20 is a matter of pride for the country. We have to work hard to ensure a successful G20 summit in Srinagar,” Sinha said.
The LG asked the departments to contribute urgently to make the event a memorable one.
India took over the Presidency of the G20 group of powers from Indonesia on December 1 and is holding around 200 meetings in 32 different sectors at different locations across the country. The third summit of the G20 tourism group will be held in Srinagar between May 22-24.
The G20 or Group of 20 is a forum of governments of developed and developing countries around the world. It has Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UK, US, and European. Union (EU).
Accordingly, this year Rs 447 crore has been allocated to the tourism sector to develop J&K as a modern and smart tourist destination.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said under the ‘Tourism Mission’, 75 new places, 75 Sufi / religious places, 75 new cultural and heritage places, and 75 new roads are being created in UT to open new economic opportunities to meet the needs of the people. (who)
