A group of young South African boys is visiting Jammu and Kashmir after 21 years on an invitation of the state tourism. "The South African cricketers came here as tourists but agreed to play cricket matches with the local boys on the invitation extended to them by the department," the Director Tourism, Farooq Ahmed Shah said. Tourism minister, Mohammad Dilawar Mir asked the visitors to become ambassadors of Kashmir tourism back home. "I hope you will come again and bring people of your country to Kashmir which is internationally known for its scenic beauty," he told the visitors.
The visiting tourists-cum-cricketers led by coach Willie Vandenberg visited famous hill resort of Gulmarg, besides playing two Twenty-20 matches Saturday. "The matches will attract sport-loving tourists to Kashmir," he said, adding sports have remained a thrust-area of the state tourism department in 2007 to attract more foreign tourists.
"We found India a lovely place, he said. We changed itinerary this time and visited Kashmir on the invitation of state tourism department. Kashmir is most enjoyable place and ideal for playing cricket," the coach added.The state tourism department had also organised several golf tournaments this year in which golfers from foreign countries too participated. Shah said the department, as a part of its campaign, is planning to promote rugby as well. Over four lakh people visited Jammu and Kashmir during the first ten months of this year including 20,000 foreigners.
Source:- http://www.headlinesindia.com/archive_html/03December2007_64733.html