Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review the tourism potential of the picturesque Panchanpatri area in Kulgam district. During the meeting, the Minister took detailed assessment of various measures to be taken for bringing the Panchanpatri area of Kulgam on tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir.
She directed the officers to establish all kind basic amenities in this picturesque area so that maximum visitors are attracted towards it. The Minister directed the Tourism department to assess the scope for strengthening tourism infrastructure in the area for visitors.
“Panchanpatri possesses immense natural beauty and holds tremendous potential to emerge as a major attraction for nature lovers, trekkers and adventure tourists”, she stated. Sakeena Itoo highlighted that the Government is focused on identifying and developing offbeat destinations to diversify the tourism landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and generate new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
“Promotion of unexplored tourist spots not only enhances visitor experiences but also contributes significantly to rural economic growth through employment generation and entrepreneurship”, she stated. Reaffirming the Government’s vision for inclusive tourism development, Sakeena Itoo said that emerging destinations like Panchanpatri will play a vital role in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a premier tourist destination and creating long-term economic benefits for local residents.
During the meeting, Joint Director Tourism Kashmir briefed the Minister about ongoing and proposed tourism initiatives in the Panchanpatri. The meeting, among others, was attended by Joint Director Tourism Kashmir; senior officers of Tourism and other concerned departments.