As the stage is all set for the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at the ski-resort Gulmarg, the upcoming tournament to get started in the third week of February promises to give a giant benefit to winter tourism.
The KIWG is a vital tool for the promotion of sports and fitness. The event has grown into such a major affair that it has turned into not only a platform for sporting talent but also a booster for tourism, infrastructure, and the local economy in the region.
This year’s hallmark games will provide new and exciting opportunities for regional infrastructure development and organized events in Gulmarg.
While it makes mountains of money for Kashmir in tourism, sport is merely a sideshow for KIWG.
Certainly, KIWG is yet another plumb line in the region’s cap. The exposure given to winter sports through such games works towards the earnings that trickle down during the winter season keeps a potential of increasing tourism.
Since the first season of the event, it has opened new windows for local hoteliers, ski trainers, chefs, and transport operators. The athletes, coaches, and spectators are, of course, additional blessings that enter and give a much-needed boost to economic activities in Gulmarg.
Another KIWG miracle has been its previous seasons in growing the economy of the region, and now is the time for the Government and stakeholders to work hand in hand and ensure sustainability.
Sustainability of physical infrastructure development, athlete training, and further improvements of the business environment shall be ongoing initiatives. Rise of Kashmir as one of the world’s foremost destinations in winter tourism depends on the continued investment made in tourism, sports, and hospitality.
Kashmir can gain more popularity in conducting the winter sports provided it is managed correctly, winter tourism-thus centered on KIWG-can become a prominent economic activator and a global testimony to this region.
