Jammu and Kashmir has been conferred with the best honeymoon tourism destination award at 5th International Travel- Tourism Conclave & Expo (ITCTA) which was held here today.The award was received by Additional Secretary Tourism, Gulzar Ahmad Shabnam on behalf of the Tourism Department. The Function was attended by Tourism stakeholders of various States and Corporations. Manager Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, Delhi, CB Koul was also present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Gulzar Shabnam enumerated the unique features of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, which make the State an unparalleled all-season tourist destination. "It is unique scenic beauties, climate, culture, custom, and cuisines brand our State as world acclaimed tourist destination which has been bestowed with all tourism commodities to offer every type of tourists," he said.He said that highest peaks, deep valleys, cold glaciers, hot and cold water springs, rowing rivers, vast meadows, dense forests, large lakes in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir with varied religious and cultural amalgamations enable J&K to monopolize the tourism sector.
He said that already known as the best honeymoon destination, the J&K State will emerge as a good wedding destination too.While thanking the organizers for conferring the best honeymoon award to Jammu and Kashmir, the Additional Secretary Tourism hoped that it will continue to be honored and awarded in future for its marvelous contribution in the tourism sector for its matchless manifestation and appreciable features.He said that pilgrimage tourism has assumed much significance in J&K unlike other States. He referred to Gumpas of Ladakh, Temples of Jammu and Shrines of Kashmir at the varied festivals of the State.Tracking, Mountaineering, Water rafting, Paragliding, Skiing, Ice skating, Polo and Golf promise good environment to adventure lovers here, he added.Pertinently, this is the third award bagged by Jammu and Kashmir during this season. Recently the State received Best Adventure Tourism Destination Award at Chennai.