Aero ballooning to boost tourism in J and K

Srinagar, June 23 (ANI): The Department of Tourism of Jammu and Kashmir has launched aero ballooning to boost the influx of tourists in the state.

Nasir Aslam Wani, the Minister of Tourism, inaugurated the facility at Zabarwan Park on the banks of Dal Lake here on Friday.

The introduction of the new adventure sport is expected to be a treat for tourists who throng the valley.

Mehraj-ud-din, the owner of aero balloon, said that while trekking and mountaineering remain the bedrock of adventure tourism, air ballooning would fuel growth in this sector.

"We should organise different adventure activities to attract large number of tourists to the state. In Kashmir we can organise soft adventure activities on a large scale as it has lot of potential," he said.

The Helium-filled balloon can carry 5 passengers at a time to the height of 100 to 120 meters.

The tourists lauded the new adventure and said that the balloon ride would be an exciting and a thrilling experience.

"It is very interesting. I have not seen this in Chandigarh. As a tourist it is really nice, a big attraction," said Mona Malhotra, a tourist hailing from the Punjab capital. (ANI)