A record, over four lakh visitors visited the Tulip Garden in Srinagar this time. Thrown open on March 23 it was closed for general public on April 24. Besides large number of local people, tourists from different parts of the country and foreign countries visited the garden. Established in 2008 it has been a major attraction for the tourists.
The record number of tourists in Tulip Garden this time has given rise to the hope that this year also a record number of visitors will visit Kashmir. For the last several years the tourism sector is flourishing significantly here. However, the map of tourist destinations has to be widened further for more tourist footfall. Kashmir is known worldwide for its scenic beauty and extraordinary tourism potential. This has to be tapped fully.
More tourist destinations have to be developed. There are already a number of such destinations where visitors go but not in large numbers. Because basic infrastructure has not been developed at such places. There are some other destinations, which are neither on tourist map nor having the required facilities for the tourists there.
These facilities and infrastructure have to be created so that the tourists do not face any kind of inconvenience at such places. Developing further the already famous and known tourist places is important but the other destinations must not be ignored. If all the tourist spots get the required attention of the concerned authorities then the people in these areas too will get benefitted. The unemployment is growing among the youth.
The horticulture sector despite being the backbone of economy sometimes takes unpredictable turns causing losses to those associated with it. So tourism too needs to be developed wherever it has the potential to grow. More the areas covered under tourism sector more people will get benefitted. The condition of roads to all the tourist destinations must be made better.
The dilapidated roads need necessary repairs and those should be carried. How would the tourists like to go to the places that have no good access roads. The visitors must not face unnecessary problems during travel and all the avoidable problems need to be avoided.
The concerned authorities must also take feedback from all the stakeholders for further improvement in the tourism sector. The valuable suggestions by them must be implemented.
Making a better tourism related atmosphere and infrastructure is a collective responsibility of the concerned departments and those associated with the tourism sector.