Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, on Wednesday flagged off a Familiarisation Tour to Kargil, hosted by the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), aimed at promoting inter-regional tourism and showcasing the potential of Kargil as a key destination in Ladakh.
Addressing the gathering prior to the flag-off, Wani strongly advocated for the immediate reopening of parks and tourist sites in Kashmir’s low-risk or “softer” areas, which were closed following the recent militant attack in Pahalgam. He emphasised that the tourism sector cannot afford prolonged disruption, especially during peak travel season.
“I will be meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today to personally request that these parks and tourist places be reopened without further delay,” Wani said. “Security concerns are valid, but blanket closures impact local livelihoods, damage public morale, and send the wrong message to potential visitors.”
Wani acknowledged the resilience of the tourism industry and praised initiatives such as the TAAK-hosted tour for helping revive confidence in the region’s travel potential. “Familiarisation tours like these are essential for rebuilding perception, particularly in times of uncertainty,” he added.
The Advisor also spoke warmly of the deep-rooted cultural ties between Kashmir and Ladakh. “Ladakh, though now a separate Union Territory, continues to be close to our hearts. Promoting tourism between the regions is not only economically beneficial but also emotionally fulfilling,” he remarked.
The tour flagged off today includes a delegation of travel operators, media personnel, and influencers who will explore various destinations across Kargil, with the aim of developing joint promotional strategies and strengthening intra-UT tourism collaboration(DD)
