Srinagar, Nov 24 Youth from across the country are opting to pursue hotel management courses in Srinagar, which is considered a perfect tourist destination.

Most have enrolled in a bachelor's programme at the Institute of Hotel Management here.

"Earlier situation in Kashmir was bad and there was no scope in tourism as not many people used to come here. But now the entire hotel industry has changed as the situation has improved here. Now there is no militancy here and no militant activity takes place.

The situation here has improved, even our institute has changed, entire infrastructure has altered, and we have got new building. New students from outside are coming maximum from Delhi, Haryana and Himachal," said Anwar Mohin, a student from Lucknow.

The new building of the institute was completed a few years ago with all modern facilities including a hostel that has attracted hordes of students from across the country.

"Twenty-thirty students per year used to come till 2007. In 2007, 2008 and 2008-09 the intake capacity has increased manifold. Now instead of 20, 90-100 students are coming, and out of this 90 percent students are from outside J and K state. And among the ten percent from J and K state, many are from Jammu and other nearby areas. So people are preferring Srinagar as destination because the perception of fear and other things has sorted out," said Nitesh Shrivastav, Principal of Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar.

The hotel management field seems to be a very productive industry as the hospitality industry is rebounding. (ANI)