Germany offers to help Kashmir in tourism

Germany today offered to help Jammu and Kashmir government in changing the negative perception about the safety of tourists intending to visit the Valley.

The offer of cooperation in this regard was made by Germany's Ambassador to India Michael Steiner during a meeting with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed here, an official spokesman said.

Steiner, who was accompanied by his wife Eliese, informed Sayeed that Germany officially recommends its citizens to travel to Kashmir.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed with the German Ambassador several issues of mutual interest, especially those related to increasing footfall of tourists to Kashmir from European countries, adopting best practices in solid waste management and developing skills through vocational training.

Sayeed highlighted the need for withdrawal of travel advisories imposed by several European nations on Kashmir as it is as safe to travel to as any other destination in the world.

He also cited many climatic similarities between Europe and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister also referred to the J&K Travel Mart that Kashmir is hosting for the first time since 1988.

"Delegates from 20 countries are participating in the Mart which I think should do a lot in changing perceptions back home on travelling to the Paradise on Earth," he said. 

Sayeed also discussed with him his plan of organising a 'Mini-Davos' at Gulmarg in winter, where he would like to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to host country's top corporate heads, on the analogy of World Economic Forum (WEF), which is held every year in Switzerland.

The Chief Minister also asked Steiner to explore possibility of holding a Golf tournament for European Union envoys to India, either at Pahalgam or Srinagar.

"During my earlier tenure, I invited European Ambassadors for a tee off at Royal Spring Golf Course. It was a wonderful experience," he said.

The German Ambassador also offered cooperation to Jammu and Kashmir on solid waste management in which Germany has set benchmarks in best practices.

"Scientific waste management is a precondition for any tourist destination," he said while offering help in transfer of technology from his country.

The German Ambassador also invited Sayeed to his birthplace, Munich, which he described as "Germany's Kashmir".