Golf promotion linked to tourism promotion in JK: Advisor (G)

Srinagar: Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai Sunday said efforts are on for aggressive promotion of golf in the State as it constitutes an important component of State’s tourism sector.
The Advisor said this while addressing the concluding ceremony of two-day PHDCCI Golf Tourism Conclave and Tournament at Royal Springs Golf Course here.
The tournament saw the participation of over 85 golfers from the country, besides some local golfers also displayed their golfing skills.
Ganai said J&K has some world class Golf courses and the efforts of the Governor’s administration are to promote the game as it would lead to promotion of tourism in the State.
He said a tourism conclave would be held soon at Kolkata to attract tourists towards J&K.
Ganai said J&K has huge potential to emerge as number one tourist destination in the country, adding it can happen with the active participation of tourists, tourism players, government and other stakeholders.
In order to send a positive message outside, Ganai urged the participants to share with their friends, neighbors and clients, about their experience in the Valley, including the hospitality they received during their stay here.
He said the Governor’s administration is keen to develop the tourism infrastructure in the State to ensure that the visitors have a safe and comfortable stay here.
Former Chief Minister and Member Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah on the occasion said that Government should make the Golf Development Authority in the State which would maintain the existing and develop new Golf courses.
He suggested that Jammu and Kashmir Bank should maintain the Srinagar Golf Course.
Director General Tourism, Govt of India Satyajeet Rajan, Chairman PHDCCI, Anil Khaitan, Chairman, Kashmir Committee of PHDCCI, Mushtaq Chaya, CEO Golf Development Authority, Ghalib Mohi-ud-Din, MD JKTDC Asif Hamid Khan, Director Tourism, prominent golf players were present on the occasion.
In the end, Advisor Khurshid Ganai and Dr Farooq Abdullah gave away trophies to the winners of the tournament.