Why in news:

• Jammu and Kashmir administration has recently announced the first tourist village in the UT.
• The first tourist village, Panchari, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur, was launched recently by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Raghav Langer at the Sankari Devta ground in Meer Panchari.
• This tourism initiative will strengthen the rural economy and community entrepreneurship, empowering youth and women by providing direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Key Points

• Homestay Facilities:
• Homestay facilities are also available in Panchari to boost tourism and generate income for the local youth.
• While holidaying, tourists often look for a place which is located amid natural surroundings but at the same time gives them a feeling of home away from home.
• The facilities of homestay in the village will fulfil this requirement of visitors besides adding to the income of villagers.
  
   
• In a recent development, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir had launched the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Village Network under Mission Youth in September 2021.
• The Aim of The Initiative:
• The initiative is aimed at transforming 75 villages of the Union Territory that are known for their historical relevance, picturesque beauty, and cultural significance.
• The initiative aims at promoting tourism and sustainable employment for the youth.
• It will strengthen the rural economy in the region, turn youth into entrepreneurs and empower women by offering numerous opportunities for direct as well as indirect employment.
• The administration will recognise the uniqueness of each village and showcase the landscape, foster the indigenous knowledge systems and promote cultural diversity and heritage of the village.
• Jammu and Kashmir has the highest tourist influx in the whole country.
• In the month of July, around 10.5 lakh tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, and the figure reached 11.22 lakh in August.
• Although Kashmir, called the paradise on Earth, can be visited any time of the year, October to February is an ideal time to visit Jammu & Kashmir for tourism.