Jammu and Kashmir sanctions Rs3 crore for tourism promotion

To boost tourist footfall in less developed areas of the state and create more employment opportunities, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah today sanctioned Rs3 crore for the tourism department.

"Omar approved an additional allocation of Rs3 crore for tourism department which can be enhanced to Rs5 crore at the time of revised estimates," an official spokesperson said.

 He said the amount has been granted under the package of incentives for tourism to develop infrastructure in less developed areas and give impetus to the economic activities besides generating employment for people.

The Chief Minister also gave nod to the revised incentive rules prepared by the tourism department in consultation with the Planning and Development Department to bring more suitable areas under the ambit of incentive package.

Approving the proposal to this effect, Omar said under a comprehensive incentive package, opportunities of self employment for a large number of people would be created across the state in the tourism sector besides opening venues for wide-ranging economic activities.

The incentives under the package include subsidy on capital investment, subsidy for new units, support to adventure and recreation tourism, subsidy on facilities and equipment, purchase of tourist coaches, upgradation of vehicles, creation of paying guest accommodation and travel agencies.