Aaqib Khan
Gulmarg, Nov 3 : Chief Executive Officer of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Hussain Naik, on Monday said that all tourist spots in Gulmarg that were temporarily closed will reopen soon as the administration has received positive reports from the concerned departments.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Naik said that the tourist spots around Gulmarg that were closed have received positive reports from the local administration, including security and district officials. “I hope that within a day or two, all our tourist spots will be open.”
He added that some areas like Drang and sites around the Gondola and cable car have already been reopened. “In the next day or two, you will see tourists visiting these places again,” he said.
Naik said the administration, tourism department, and local stakeholders are fully prepared to welcome tourists in the upcoming winter season. “Gulmarg truly starts in winter. This is the best time for Gulmarg, and we are ready to host as many tourists as possible,” he said.
He further said that although the summer season saw a drop in tourist arrivals, the authorities are not disappointed. “We did not receive enough tourists in summer, but we are not disheartened because Gulmarg’s real charm begins in winter,” he said.
Naik said that all stakeholders, including hotel owners, cable car operators, and tourism service providers, are working collectively to enhance the visitor experience. “This time we have a convention centre, a golf course, and various facilities ready to serve tourists,” he said.
He also said that the Travel Agents Association of North Kashmir had recently brought tour operators from across India to Gulmarg. “These operators have shown great commitment to promote tourism in Kashmir. They believe that promoting tourism here not only boosts J&K’s economy but also contributes to the overall growth of the country,” he said.
Naik said that the tourism department and GDA teams are continuously promoting Kashmir tourism across India and abroad. “Our tourism is completely natural. Such beauty cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” he said.
He added that the hospitality, culture, and warmth of the people of Kashmir make it a unique destination. “Our aim is to once again see smiles on the faces of all stakeholders and service providers who depend on tourism,” Naik said.
He expressed optimism that the upcoming winter season will mark a strong revival of tourism in Gulmarg, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.(KNS)
