Guv’s Advisor claims elections won’t impact tourism

Srinagar, Mar 15: With stakeholders in the valley fearing the upcoming elections could affect the tourism prospects, Advisor to Governor Khurshid Ahmad Ganai Friday said the poll process in the state will be held ‘peacefully’ to avoid its impacts on tourism sector.
Ganai, while addressing media on the sidelines of a function by Floriculture department here, Ganai said the tourists have found themselves much safer in Kashmir.
“Elections have been held in Kashmir earlier as well and tourists still kept their tryst with Kashmir. So there is no need to worry about tourism during elections,” he said.
“Spring season has arrived and tulip garden, which attracts tourists in huge number, will been thrown open very soon. The concerned department, government and other agencies are working to ensure a conducive atmosphere for visitors,” he added.
Asked about the decline in the tourist flow after Pulwama attack followed by negative coverage against Kashmir, Ganai said the approach by media was “unacceptable”.
“The incident was unfortunate, which led to the tensions between India and Pakistan. We, however, hope peace will prevail,” he said.
“It is wrong that media resorted to negative publicity against Kashmir, which is unacceptable. People should not fall victim to negative propaganda and try to forget the past. Kashmiris’ hospitality and culture is famous worldwide,” the Advisor to Governor said.
On advisories by many European countries and international travel agencies dissuading their clients from visiting Kashmir, Ganai said they had no control over such advisories.
“Those who have been issued advisories may not come but we hope people of this country will visit here. We appeal to people across the country to visit Kashmir and enjoy its beauty,” he said.