JK Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora has stressed for giving thrust to tourism sector in the plan allocations by Planning Commission of India.

Addressing a seminar on tourism at New Delhi, Jora, according to an official statement, said tourism sector in the entire country is allotted Rs 1000 crore which according to him is too meagre as compared to the vital role being played by this sector. He stated that in case “we put in Rs 10 lakh in the sector, 70 people on an average get employed by one way or the other.”

“This sector if taken into totality is very vital and sensitive one in creating employment opportunities and improving the economy of common man in the country.” He said only one per cent of the GDP is being invested in the sector so far. The Minister emphasized the members of CII and various private stakeholders / players in the tourism sector to come under one umbrella and prevail upon the central government authorities including the Planning Commission to come to their rescue and address their demands favourably.

Jora emphasized that the J&K particularly Kashmir and Ladakh attracted foreign tourists in a big way prior to 1989 and thereafter because of unpleasant happenings the adverse advisories came into existence by the foreign countries. In view of improved situation, West Germany has lifted the advisory for its nationals to visit the state, he said.

He said the issue of lifting of adverse advisory with New Zealand, South Africa, Britain and other European counties need to be taken up at the national level so that inflow of foreign tourists improve as tourism is the backbone of state economy. Members of tourism industry were present in the seminar.