Opportunities of heritage Tourism in Neelum Valley AJK

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to explore the opportunities of heritage tourism in Neelum Valley. Neelum valley is situated in the north of Muzaffarabad, the capital of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is enriched with natural beauty and a home to many archaeological sites. Since the ceasefire with India in 2004, the valley has attracted a vast majority of tourists and the number is increasing every year. The study, being exploratory in nature, aims to address the deprivation caused by the conflict in the valley and find out a way forward in order to utilize the potential heritage resources of Neelum Valley for its socio-economic development. The study concludes that there are many opportunities of heritage tourism in Neelum Valley. Being a gateway to China and having many sacred religious sites, the valley has a great potential for tourists.