Srinagar: A record 13.50 lakh tourists, including foreigners, visited the Kashmir valley during 2012 and a bumper winter season is expected as a large number of skiers and other adventure lovers are arriving at Gulmarg, the world famous ski resort daily.
The Asia’s largest Tulip garden on the foothill of Zabarwan hills overlooking Dal Lake has advanced the tourist season for the past about six years in the Kashmir valley by more than two months, which otherwise was starting in May every year.
However, peaceful atmosphere and lifting of travel advisory by some countries has encouraged tourists to visit the valley.
We expect a good number of tourists from Russia, Gulf and other countries this summer, Director Tourism, Talat Parvez said.
He said the number of tourists has gone to 13.50 lakh in the year 2012 while it was only 6 lakh in 1989, before the eruption of turmoil.
Mr Parvez said the number could go to 15 lakhs till March this year.
We expect a bumper arrival of tourists, including skiers and adventure lovers, this winter, he said, adding Gulmarg and Pahalgam receives good number of guests daily.
He said a number of countries have already lifted travel advisory while other are expected to follow as situation in the Kashmir valley is peaceful.
He said because of the efforts put in place by the government, tourists from United States and various European Countries are visiting here, following relaxation in the Advisory to visit Kashmir.
He said by now tourists from all over the world visit Kashmir, which is a good omen in boosting the tourist industry.
