As a major initiative to promote Tourism in Kashmir Valley the Union Minister Tourism K. Chiranjeevi announced recently that “Kashmir Festival 2013” will be held for a fortnight from May to 29 at different places in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The Minister revealed that his Ministry is providing financial support for the same. The Festival will be held in Sringar, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Manasbal, Doodhpathri, Gulmarg, Lolab Valley and Sonmarg and will include activities such as Shikara Races, Cycle Races, Canoeing, River Rafting, Para Gliding, Painting, Swimming Competition, Horse Races etc. The Festival will also showcase culture of Jammu & Kashmir through performances by the cultural troupes of the state.
For successful organisation of the Festival, the Ministry of Tourism is also coordinating with other Ministries including Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Civil Aviation for outlining the concessional fares / tour package; Ministry of Culture for organising cultural events through different cultural troupes and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for undertaking sports activities such as Boat Race and other adventure sports like paragliding, horse race etc.
The local service providers such as hoteliers, Guest House Owners including House Boats of Kashmir Division have already offered a discount of 20-30 per cent as a special case for the tour packages/tourists during the forthcoming tourist season.
