Srinagar, Oct 20 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Monday asked Thai Ambassador to India Chalit Manityakul, who called on him here, to help in promoting tourism to the state, an official statement said.

"During their meeting, Mufti Sayeed discussed with the ambassador several issues of mutual interest, especially those related to increase in footfall of tourists to Kashmir from Thailand.

"The Thai ambassador informed the chief minister about Thailand's booming travel industry, which is expected to touch 29 million overseas visitors this year, and offered his cooperation to increase footprint of visitors from his country to the state, which he said is next only to Taj Mahal in Agra and Bodh Gaya, in Bihar, in numbers," it said,

Sayeed called upon Manityakul to promote Kashmir as a golfing destination for visiting tourists from Thailand, noting the state government will soon start chopper service for highend travellers to Pahalgam and Gulmarg, which have two of the most picturesque golf courses in the state.

The Thai ambassador also sought Sayeed's support in organizing a business venture meet between the tour operators of J&K and Thailand, while praising the stunning beauty of Kashmir and his intention to visit again this winter, it added.