Jammu and Kashmir, Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) has demanded inclusion of the tourism through LoC which, it said, would improve the economy of the two dividing sides of the Kashmir.
JCCI, which is an apex body of trade bodes from both sides of the divide, said the tourism through the trade route of Uri Sallamabad would help improve economy of both parts of J&K.
“We have been demanding cross LoC tourism also since trade between the two sides began in 2008. Besides helping promote tourism from both sides it would help in developing the close ties with each other,” said JCCI president, Dr. Mubeen Shah.
Shah informed both the sides of the Kashmir have huge potential for the hiking, trekking and other adventurous tourism activities.
JCCI President said the members of JCCI will soon visit Azad Kashmir to advocate the inclusion of tourism into the trade. He also said that borders should also be made irrelevant for the traders for the smooth LoC trade.
President Salamabad Chakoti Traders Union, Hilal Turkey said LoC tourism would add 10 to 12 lakhs tourists to the Valley annually. “It will boost the economy of the both the Kashmirs and tourism sector will also get flip,” he said.
“People of Pakistan would love to visit this place as it would be cheapest and best ever destination to visit. Tourism will also provide source of income to the thousands of people from both sides and both the parts will get huge benefits out of it,” he said.
Meanwhile Valley based tour operators also demanded inclusion of tourism in cross LoC trade.
President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Rouf Ahmad Tramboo said Cross-LoC tourism would be the best CMB between India and Pakistan.
“We are ready to facilitate the tourists of both India and Pakistan on single tour itinerary. Besides, the northern part of Azad Kashmir is one of the best places for mountaineers and lovers of other adventure sports,” Tramboo added.
Tramboo said TAAK has been at the forefront while demanding inclusion of tourism in the cross-LoC trade.
“When both India and Pakistan are making every effort to improve ties with each other I fail to understand why the neighboring countries don’t include cross-LoC tourism in the trade-list.” NNI