Paradise regained as record 1.3 million tourists flocked the militancy-plagued Kashmir Valley in 2011. The figure excludes 6.34 lakh pilgrims who visited the holy Amarnath shrine in the mighty Himalayas in south Kashmir this summer. Jammu and Ladakh regions too reaped the benefits of peace with one crore pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine this year. Over 1.79 lakh tourists visited the cold desert of Ladakh, which is of 136% more from the last year.

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“The government agencies and private partners concerned are equally responsible in making the stay of tourists comfortable in the state by way of providing upto the mark accommodation and befitting services”, said chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Last year’s arrivals have infused a new set of confidence among the tourism planners who are working overtime to harvest the dividends of peace this year too.

“All stakeholders should take necessary preparatory measures jointly from now onwards for receiving larger number of tourists in 2012. I am confident that ensuing summer would be more productive in tourist related activities in the Valley and other parts of the state”, Omar said.

This year, the government is planning to showcase Kashmir tourism in foreign countries to boost the international arrivals to the Valley. “Showcasing state’s tourism potential in foreign countries like Germany which have lifted advisories about J&K has become more important in the changed scenario to sell the state as choicest destination for conventional, adventure, sports and heritage tourism”, Omar said.

J&K government is also giving a major fillip to the infrastructure development to make the state as competitive international destination. Cable Car Project for Jammu, artificial lake in Jammu, four-laning of National Highway and railway projects from Jammu to Srinagar, opening new border roads to connect various shrines are all being planned.

“Development of tourism product areas of heritage, adventure, pilgrim and eco-tourism are being focused to restore state’s tourism glory and generate wide-ranging economic avenues for the people”, said Atul Dullu, commissioner-secretary J&K tourism department.

People associated with tourism sector are hoping a repeat of 2011. “If all goes well we expect positive influence of 2011 on 2012 season”, said Siraj Ahmad, president Kashmir Hotel and Restaurants Association.