Jammu and Kashmir will host an international ski championship from March 1, 2009. According to state's tourism minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora, the four-day international sports event will take place at the snow-clad Gulmarg resort in Kashmir. The minister also informed that the state's tourism ministry will also organise a three-day national snow rafting competition from March 6.

 

Both the events are being sponsored by the ESSAR Group. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Omar Abdullah will inaugurate the events. The ski championship will be participated by the players from countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Athletes from 13 states of the country will take part in the snow rafting competition. According to Jora, the world-famous Gulmarg resort is all geared up to host the events.

 

The international event is expected to pull maximum tourists in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Talking about the promotion of tourism in the state, the minister said that plans have been formulated to increase tourists' visit in the region. The transformation of Srinagar airport in to a global one has increased the possibility of foreign tourists' visit in the state during the event. Jora gave importance on promoting Ladakh region as a destination for domestic tourists.