Jammu and Kashmir government will embark on a multi-pronged strategy to develop and showcase the tourism potential of the state both at domestic and global level, minister for tourism and culture Nawang Rigzin Jora said.
Over Rs315 crore centrally-funded projects are under execution to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, he informed the Legislative Assembly here.
"Government has embarked on a multi-pronged strategy to develop and showcase boundless tourism potential of the state both at domestic and global level," he said.
Development of basic tourism infrastructure through private investment, opening of new potential destinations and development of heritage, adventure, pilgrim and eco-tourism form components of the plan, he said.
The minister said that an amount of Rs222 crore has been incurred on development of tourism infrastructure under the state plan during the last two years.
Fifty-three villages across the state will be developed as tourist villages to boost rural tourism for which the Centre has agreed to provide requisite funds, he said.
He said that the government has identified two mega tourist projects for development at a cost of Rs100 crore which include the spiritual destination of Leh, development of mega tourist circuit from Naagar Nagar to Watlab and conservation and restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex.
Opening of new tourism destinations is the top priority of the government, Jora said, adding 20 new tourism destinations have been identified for exploitation in the last few years.
He said 36 new tourism projects have been prioritised and Centre is expected to sanction Rs100 crore for these projects.
Development work amounting to about Rs21 crore are apace in two tourism circuits, including Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch, he said.
The minister said border tourism is also been explored in the state.
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