Vijayawada: Manzoor A Pakhtoon, chairman of Jammu and Kashmir beckons tourists of Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: In a fervent appeal to the people of Andhra Pradesh to visit Kashmir, Manzoor A Pakhtoon, chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Alliance, said here on Monday not to be carried away by the propaganda that there was political conflict in the state, which has not even one per cent impact on any tourist destinations in J&K.

Addressing the media, Manzoor along with NS Jamwal, officer of J&K tourism department, said that small border issues were being blown out of proportions causing damage to the J&K economy in general and tourism in particular. He pointed out that as per the National Crime Records Bureau, the state has a zero per cent crime rate against women solo travellers which makes it the safest destination.

Describing the Kashmir as the Crown of Incredible India, Manzoor said that the state is also called Bliss on Earth. "Kashmir has sparkling rivers, placid lakes, gorgeous gardens, and a visit to Pahalgam in particular leaves the tourists speechless," he says. Referring to the facilities available for tourists in the state, he said that two, three, four and five star hotels, upgraded luxury resorts and the heritage premium house boats on Dall and Nigeen lakes help the tourists to have a comfortable stay. "There are adventure sports like river rafting in Lidder river, angling on fishing boats, paragliding in Harwan, trekking in Pahalgam and Sonamarg areas and even to Ladakh region, laser shows and musical fountains on Dall Lake, sound and light show, International Saffron Trade Centre cable cars, world-class museum for the pleasure of the tourists," he said.

Earlier, Central MLA Malladi Vishnu said that the state government was giving top priority for promotion of the tourism. A number of tourism departments from across the nation and even abroad are looking at promoting tourism in the state, he said. Vishnu said that the AP government and the TTD were jointly constructing the temple of Lord Venkateswara in Jammu to promote tourism as well as spirituality. He welcomed the travel trade being organised in the city by the J&K Tourism Alliance for the convenience of the tourists from AP to Kashmir.

Kashmir tourism assistant director Javid ur Rehman, tourism MD Nagendra Singh, treasurer Ali Ahmad, secretary general Shamin Shah and others were present.