Thailand's envoy calls on J&K CM Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, discusses tourism

SRINAGAR: Thailand's Ambassador to India Chalit Manityakul today called on Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed here and discussed several issues including those related to increase in footfall of tourists from the country to the state.

"During their meeting, Sayeed discussed with the Ambassador several issues of mutual interest, especially those related to increase in footfall of tourists to Kashmir from Thailand," an official spokesman said.

He said Manityakul informed Sayeed about Thailand's booming travel industry, which is expected to touch 29 million overseas visitors this year.

He offered his cooperation to increase footprint of visitors to the state from his country, which he said is next only to Taj Mahal in Agra and Bodh Gaya, in Bihar, in numbers, the spokesman said.

The CM called upon the Ambassador to promote Kashmir as a golfing destination for visiting tourists from Thailand.

Sayeed told Manityakul that the state government will soon start chopper service for high-end travellers to Pahalgam and Gulmarg, which have two of the most picturesque golf courses in the state.

The Thai Ambassador also sought support of the chief minister in organising a business venture meet between the tour operators of J-K and Thailand, the spokesman said.