The government of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has announced plans to make the region a major player in the golf tourism business.

The state, known around the world for its scenic beauty has seen its tourism business suffer in recent years, due to political instability in the region. The government, which recently passed a bill creating a state-wide Golf Development and Management Authority, hopes stabilisation and the development of more golf courses will boost visitors.

State capital Srinagar is home to the Royal Springs course, built ten years ago by the Robert Trent Jones II firm, but the government hopes to see five more courses developed in the near future. Two are already in development, and figures show that the authorities have spent Rs 133 crore (US$24 million) on these projects.