Tourism, the mainstay of Kashmir's economy is picking up following improvement in the security situation in the state after the change of government, the state assembly was informed.

Asserting that revival of tourism is in the interest of the people of the state, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir said there were some hopeful signs as 36,356 tourist visited the valley this year till date as against 9,487 in the corresponding period last year.

He said the government was keen to attract all categories of tourists so that economic benefits are dispersed in different segments of the population.

As regards elite tourists, he said, the government made an effort and even organised ambassadors' golf cup in Kashmir.

This has helped in somewhat negating the advisories issued by some countries.