Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government hopes to make Jammu into an attractive tourist destination through a number of projects.

State Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora recently said the creation of tourism infrastructure of a high standard could help Jammu emerge as an independent tourism destination quickly.

Addressing representatives of the Jammu Chamber of Trade and Commerce and the Hotelier, Transport, Tour and Travel Operator Associations, Jora said the work on the ambitious cable car project that will connect the twin heritage sites -- Royal Complex Mubarak Mandi and Bahu Fort -- would be started soon.

He said tenders for the works have already been floated and the process of allotment of works is likely to start by July-end next year.

The minister described the upcoming cable car and the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex as major tourist attractions of Jammu city. He said the Rs. 50 crore received under the 13th Finance Commission for the conservation of the palace and its development as Dogra Heritage site has enabled to set-in the pace of work.

About the upcoming Golf Course at Sidhra, Jora said both phases would be complete in all respects within next ten months.

Referring to measures being taken for promoting tourism in other parts of the region, Jora said the government was looking forward to the introduction of water sports at Akhnoor, Baglihar and Pul Doda.

The minister also informed about major upgradation of existing and new facilities at Sanasar, Suransar and Mansar, besides renovation of roads leading to these tourist spots.

The minister also informed that potential places like Bahderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri and the places along Mughal Road are being showcased at every forum.

He stated that special care was being taken to ensure development of up to the mark tourism infrastructure at these places.