Amidst record tourist arrivals in the past few years, there is a need to develop more tourist destinations. There are many places that need to be put on the tourism map and developed. Infrastructure needs to be developed in such places for the convenience of visitors. With infrastructure-related facilities, visitors from different parts of the country as well as foreigners will visit the place in large numbers. People around such places should also benefit from the booming tourism. The government has restructured 21 Tourism Development Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. This is a good step and has been welcomed by stakeholders in the tourism sector. The restructured Tourism Development Authorities include those of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Doodhpatri, Sonamarg, Lolab Bangas Dhangari, Bhaderwah, Surinsar Mansur and Bani Basholi. According to officials, the move is expected to streamline decision-making process and expedite development projects in these regions. The restructuring is further aimed at bringing in more efficient management and coordinated development efforts across the diverse tourist destinations of Jammu and Kashmir, he added. This is a good move but at the same time, focus should be given on more tourist destinations which have potential and can be developed on a large scale. Thousands of people depend on quality tourism. At the same time, most of the people depend on apple cultivation and trade which is considered as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. This sector has seen ups and downs in the past few years due to various challenges and efforts must be made to strengthen it further. At the same time, the scope of the tourism sector must also be expanded. That way, more tourist destinations will be developed and more people will benefit. The benefits of tourism must not be limited to a few established destinations. These developed and established destinations certainly need further development but at the same time other places must also be given attention. With the growing importance of tourism, this sector needs to touch more people. However, we must remember and ensure that development is not done at the expense of natural beauty, ecosystem and biodiversity.
