Srinagar: The upcoming G20 meet is a great opportunity to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, a senior official said on Saturday.
J&K Tourism Secretary Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said G20 is a major international event and it will show the world that Jammu and Kashmir is a wonderful destination for all to come and enjoy.
Kashmir is gearing up to host the third G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from May 21 to 23.
“It (G20) is a major international event. I do not think such a big international event has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir ever before. This is a great opportunity for us to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah told reporters on the sidelines of the trailer launch of the movie “Welcome to Kashmir” at Inox Cinema here.
The senior officer said whether it was adventure, leisure or film tourism and MICE tourism, they were working to attract the attention of the world.
“This event (G20) is a major opportunity to promote it at the global scale. The event will show the world that Jammu and Kashmir is a wonderful destination for all to come and enjoy,” he added.
The Tourism Secretary said the government is making an effort to revive Jammu and Kashmir as a prime destination for film tourism.
“Efforts of the Department of Tourism and the J&K administration is to revive J&K as a prime destination for film tourism yet again so that people rather going to Switzerland, France and the Alps come back to Jammu Kashmir for shooting,” he said.
Shah said last year over 200 plus films, web series and dramas have been shot in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is a great sign that film tourism is returning,” he said
“In the coming year, our effort is that film tourism is promoted in a major way within and outside the country so that the hitherto untouched beautiful destinations and locations that are much better than some of the most beautiful European destinations, are brought on the map,” he said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir was a prime destination for film tourism in the 1960s and 70s.
Shah also extended an open-hearted invitation to all those, whether inside the country or outside, interested in shooting in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This year, we are projecting 300 new destinations and they can choose any. The government of Jammu and Kashmir will be forthcoming and facilitate in every way,” he said.
UNI
