Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, June 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for joint efforts between the government and private stakeholders to restore and strengthen tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today held an interactive session with a visiting delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and acknowledged their continued interest and efforts in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a premier tourist destination.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s immense tourism potential and stressed the importance of rebuilding tourist confidence.
Referring to a tragic incident earlier this year that impacted the sector, he noted that the government is actively working on measures to restore security, improve infrastructure, and build long-term trust.
“We don’t want tourists to come here just once—we want them to return again and again,” he said, underscoring the importance of enhancing visitor experiences, introducing new activities, and expanding services.
He shared that the government is developing nine new tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir and is working closely with the Centre to operationalize them for balanced regional development.
Addressing connectivity challenges, Omar Abdullah noted the popularity of train services to Kashmir and said the issue of limited capacity would be taken up with the Ministry of Railways.
He also stressed reopening tourist destinations temporarily closed after the recent tragedy, saying it’s key to restoring public and tourist confidence.
Adventure tourism opportunities in areas like Pahalgam and Gulmarg were discussed, with plans for zip-lining, mountain biking, and trekking already underway in collaboration with national adventure infrastructure experts.
The Chief Minister also welcomed the proposal for a major promotional tourism event later this year, stating that a strong delegation from J&K, including both government and private players, would participate to showcase the region’s offerings.
He expressed appreciation for the visiting delegation’s support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing tourism through innovation, partnership, and sustained promotional efforts.
President IATO Ravi Gosain, in his address, assured full support from the Association in promoting Kashmir across domestic and international markets. “We are committed to showcasing Kashmir’s beauty and culture to the world,” he said.
