On the shores of the renowned Dal Lake, the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) is prepared to host this year’s largest international summit from May 22–24. To make the occasion beautiful and historic, Srinagar has been transformed into a smart city.As plans are being finalised for the third meeting of the G20 tourism working group, Kashmir is getting ready to welcome visitors from a number of nations. The G20 summit is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on trade and tourism in the area. The renowned Dal Lake is being decorated, and the Shikara (lake-based boats) are getting new paint jobs.
The G20 summit has been hailed by Kashmir’s Ecotourism Society of Kashmir (ETSK) as a significant advancement for the travel and tourism sector. The group works to conserve Kashmir’s natural beauty and create job opportunities by promoting ecotourism and sustainable tourist practises.
ETSK convenor Sameer Baktoo stated to ANI that “our tourism development policies should be based on ecotourism, and we need to have a sustainable approach towards our eco-fragile destinations.” He also believed that the G20 summit will draw more foreign visitors to the area.
In some areas of Kashmir, security has increased.
In the Jammu region, notably in border districts, more than ten Army schools have been shut down out of caution. Security has been increased after several infiltration points were discovered. Along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB), a multi-tiered security structure made up of the police, army, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and Village Defence Committees has been developed.
The roadway between Jammu and Patankot is also being examined. Vehicles and movements are being watched. With online sessions continuing till May 25, several Army and other schools along the highway, as well as those in the Rajouri and Poonch districts, have been closed.
The police advised motorists to be cautious and inspect their cars before starting them.
Increase in tourism
Given how heavily dependent Jammu and Kashmir is on tourism, the summit may draw a record number of guests. The G-20 participants in Srinagar will be given a tour of Kashmir’s stunning tourist attractions, including the Taj Gulmarg. After this event, Kashmir would allegedly be promoted internationally, according to the tourism department.
Europe, Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, China, Brazil, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, and the United States are all represented in the G20 Summit. Every year the group gets together, and this time India is in charge.
