Jammu : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir has gained recognition as a premier tourist destination, with Gurez receiving top accolades for its tourism potential.
CM Omar, while addressing the J&K Assembly as per news agency JKNS said, “J&K has recently gained recognition as a tourist destination. In 2022, Gurez Valley received the ‘Best Offbeat Destination’ award, emphasizing its appeal as a unique and emerging tourist spot. Additionally, in September 2023, Dawar village in Gurez was honored with the ‘Best Tourism Village’ award in the gold category by the Union Ministry of Tourism.”
“This accolade highlights the village’s cultural richness and tourism potential,” he added.
To promote Gurez as a new tourist destination, the Department of Tourism, J&K, has taken several initiatives, Omar said. “In 2024, commercial rafting was started in Gurez for the first time ever. Additionally, during the current financial year, the department has projected work for the upgradation of the ‘Beat Destination’ under the CAPEX Budget 2024-25.”
He further stated that the “Tourism Department shall examine the need to establish a Tourism Development Authority for Gurez.” (JKNS)