Kashmir Hopes and Builds for Tourism Revival

Domestic tourists have always been able to enjoy the spectacular scenery and hospitality of the people of Pakistani Kashmir. A string of guest houses, most run by state agencies, grew up for the trickle of visitors from the lowlands but most were destroyed in the quake. The earthquake not only opened the region up to foreign visitors, it had also brought the region to the attention of the world. Two consultants from the U.N. World Tourism Organisation visited Pakistani Kashmir this month and were enthusiastic about the possibilities. "This area has fantastic scenic beauty and it holds a lot of potential for tourism, for trekking and hiking. So why not to take advantage," said WTO coordinating officer Omer Nawaz.