The three-day G20 Tourism Working Group meeting concluded in Srinagar on Wednesday with foreign delegates touring the historic Mughal garden, playing golf at the Royal Springs Golf Course and also enjoying a Shikara ride in Dal Lake.
Around 60 foreign delegates started the day with a session of yoga against the backdrop of the Zabarwan mountain range before visiting Nishat Garden and Royal Spring Golf Course on the banks of the Dal Lake.
After that they visited Nishat Garden on the banks of Dal Lake, which presents exquisite geometrical patterns, pools and charming fountains nestled amid scented stocks of flowers.
G20 Delegates also were seen dressed in traditional attire on visit to the historical garden. They visited the 12 terraces of the garden and later went to Royal Spring Golf Course on the banks of Dal Lake.
Delegates also visited Pari Mahal, which is called Abode of Fairies and explored its hidden beauty.
In a tweet, Union Minister For Culture, Tourism And Development Of North Eastern Region (DoNER) G. Kishan Reddy said: “Union Yoga session amidst the majestic Zabarwan Hills in the Himalayas as backdrop! G20 delegates had a rejuvenating start to the day with pranayama and yoga asanas.
Besides, the visiting delegates also enjoyed a Shikara ride in Dal Lake. Later, delegates also visited Polo View High Street Market in the heart of Srinagar City. The heritage market is famous for exquisite handicrafts and is the first to be made a completely pedestrian one in the city.
On Tuesday evening, delegates explored the soulful symphonies of Jammu & Kashmir through traditional musical performances. The enchanting rhythms carried the essence of the majestic mountains & lakes that adorn this ‘Paradise on Earth’.
The G20 delegates called it a unique experience and appealed to tourists around the world to visit Kashmir.
A Nigerian delegate said that she believed that tourism will bring more cash for Kashmir and wished to visit the Taj Mahal if she ever came back to India.
Brazilian delegate, Gustavo said, “I love it, a beautiful place, a nice experience, really enjoying it. The people here are very nice and very welcoming.
Simon Wong, Ambassador of Singapore, who was among the delegates visiting the market said, “Very-very beautiful experience, loving it here. Even though there is a little bit of rain but we really love it here on the heaven of earth.”
“Yesterday we did a lot of shopping today we again intend to do so. Tourists from around the world should visit Kashmir,” he said.
Union tourism Ministry in a tweet said, “Experiencing the alluring beauty of the different locales of Srinagar, the G20 delegates visited the 12-terraced beautiful Nishat garden on the banks of the quaint Dal Lake on the third day of the 3rd G20 TWG meeting at Srinagar.”
Tourists were seen clicking selfies with the foreign guests, who also tried traditional Kashmiri attire. Some of the delegates had a session at the Royal Spring Golf Course.
G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant praised the golf course and its scenic beauty as well as the hospitality of the people. He said the delegates were equally impressed by Kashmir’s tourism potential.
“It has been a brilliant experience, fabulous hospitality, warmth, and affection. We have truly enjoyed this visit because we have been able to do a lot of hard work. We have been able to see Kashmir and enjoy the great affection of the people of Kashmir.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said after a gap of almost 4-decades, the J & K administration revived the relationship with Bollywood in Jammu and Kashmir.
“In 2021, they launched a film policy to attract more investment into the film sector and make the region as the most popular film shooting destination,” he said.
During the three days, Srinagar was decked up in the G20 colours for the meeting. The road from Srinagar Airport to the venue of the meeting was spruced up with walls covered with murals and paintings. Heritage buildings, Houseboats and Shikara boats were illuminated to welcome the guests.
Multi-tier security arrangements were made for the international event. Marine commandos and National Security Guard personnel carried out security drills ahead of the meeting around its venue.
River and lake domination was done to ensure water bodies around the venue of the meeting are safe. Central Reserve Police Force personnel also conducted mock drills at Dal Lake.