Around 60 tourists from South India to become brand ambassadors of Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 25: Around 60 tourists from South India, first largest single group since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, presently holidaying in Kashmir, will become brand ambassadors to promote tourism which has witnessed a severe hit after the Centre directed tourists to leave the valley shortly before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A besides bifurcation of the Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs) on August 5, 2019.
The tourists from different south Indian states are presently enjoying holiday in the Kashmir valley, where Department of Tourism Kashmir in collaboration with Cultural Academy organised a cultural event for the group last night.
So far they have visited Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar, where they enjoyed the natural beauty and had a good interaction with the locals.
The cultural programme was organised to welcome the group and also give them a taste of local culture.
The group leader Tanveer Ahmad from Delhi hailed the department for such an initiative saying it would not only promote local culture but also give evening entertainment avenues to the tourists.
“We are happy to have travelled to Kashmir for holidaying with a big group. All group members fully enjoyed the trip. We were welcomed by the locals and service providers everywhere and entertaining them with evening cultural programme has further added to our beautiful moments here and we will leave with beautiful memories,” he said.
A tourist from Chennai Srinivasan said they had a great time at all places blessed with natural blessings. “I would like to come here again along with the family members, he said adding “Kashmir Valley is a must-visit place for every traveller. Every spot here is beautiful. A traveller has a lot to see here in Kashmir”.
Director Tourism Kashmir Dr G N Itoo said this is one of the largest groups here in Kashmir after Covid19 and we are ready to welcome them and show them our hospitality.
“The tourists are our brand ambassadors and we try to provide them every facility so that they leave back with rich memories,” he said.
The footfall of tourists, from different parts of the country, particularly from Mumbai, Gujarat and Delhi, has witnessed major jump this winter, when Kashmir received record snowfall in three decades.