The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha welcomed everyone on the inauguration of 2023 ‘Bangus Adventure Festival’ at Bangus in Kupwara district. LG said he had come two years ago and in these two years, he could see and feel the change here. Tourism is an important part of our ancient culture. Athiti Devo Bhavah: We do not just speak but live it, LG said. Around 300 new destinations are being developed to provide a variety of gateway options for domestic and foreign tourists filled with activities. In three years, the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department tried to develop an integrated ecosystem. Today the offbeat destinations of the Union Territory are attracting people from all over the country and abroad to explore the hitherto unknown and unseen historical heritage. From Kashmir to Kanya Kumari every effort has been made to reduce the distance. Last year the total number of tourists in Kashmir was 1 crore eighty-eight lakh. Till August 31, 1 crore 58 lakh tourists have arrived in Kashmir. We are expecting the figures to go more than 2. 15 crore. This is not just a journey but also reflects the new aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir, which is called the crown of India. We have paid special attention to ensure that every tourist is familiar with every aspect of Jammu and Kashmir and enjoys its diversity and when the tourist goes home, may the sweet memories of Jammu and Kashmir remain in their memory. LG said. And one more thing I want to emphasise again is that development will happen only when there is peace. Without peace there can be neither tourism nor development. Everyone should keep this in mind. Establishing peace is not the work of forces and police administration alone. This is the responsibility of the common man, it is also the responsibility of the people. It is the responsibility of the common man, it is also the responsibility of the people to maintain peace and tranquility. And especially to the elected representatives, I would like to request that the society is definitely changing. The people here are also changing. And India has accomplished a great achievement. The environment in which India got the presidency of G20, India has achieved a position by supporting important countries of the world due to which the head of every Indian has risen with pride. This is a very nice step by the government, said locals of Kupwara. To develop border tourism, Bangus festival is being celebrated. Border areas will get a boost. The growth in tourism will result in employment opportunities for the youth. We are seeing such festivals after a long time so we are thankful to the administration and the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha for boosting tourism in such areas. This is a very important and necessary beginning. The whole Kupwara district deserves a legitimate position in the tourism map of J&K, said an official. We are trying to promote other areas in Kupwara too. Tourists from Jammu and Kashmir and other countries should come and enjoy the beautiful valley here.