G-20 meeting turning point for J&K tourism: Manoj Sinha

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday that the successful G-20 working group meeting held in Srinagar last year was the turning point for the tourism industry in the Union Territory. Sinha was addressing the two-day-long J&K tourism development conclave 2024 at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

He said that the successful G-20 working group meeting held here last year helped the struggling local tourist industry and now both domestic and foreign tourists are thronging J&K.

“J&K’s tourism industry has gone through a massive transformation over the past few years," he said.

“Those, who participated in the tourism working group meeting in Srinagar last year spoke highly of Kashmir’s hospitality and beauty. The result of the word they spread is before us.

“Even though the tourism sector contributes to J&K’s economy, agriculture and allied sectors too have a huge potential of generating employment to boost the economy of the UT," he added. “I met a few youths who left their government jobs and shaped their future in agriculture and allied sectors. Today, they provide employment to dozens of other youths as well,” he said.

The LG took a dig at some people, who according to him, claim to be jack of all trades.

“This mindset needs to be changed. A prominent hotelier, Mushtaq Chaya owns half of Srinagar's land. He came to me once and sought land for setting up his office. I told him I need one kanal from him for the government”, he said.