Srinagar, Aug. 22 -- US ambassador to India Sergio Gor's visit, praise for Jammu and Kashmir, and indication that negative travel advisories for American citizens might be downgraded have raised hopes for a further boost to tourism in the Himalayan region.

The stakeholders, especially those related to the tourism industry, say that withdrawal of negative travel advisories by the US could prove a major boost for J&K tourism. "This is a very positive development from the US ambassador and has given hope to the travel industry that negative advisory on travel of US citizens will be eased. It will definitely boost tourism in a big way," said Sajad Kralyari, secretary general of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir.

"The statement has gi...