Posted by admin_kas on 2025-06-27 20:47:05 |
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Calls for collective efforts of Government, Stakeholders to restore J&K as India’s premier tourist destination
KS News Desk
Srinagar, June 27:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that it is the collective duty of
the government and tourism stakeholders to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s position
as the country’s pre-eminent tourist destination and ensure it remains so.
The Chief Minister was
addressing the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Revival Dialogue’ organized jointly
by FICCI and the Department of Tourism, J&K at the Sher-e-Kashmir
International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
“It is binding on us that
we do everything in our power to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir goes back to its
position as the pre-eminent tourist destination in the country and then stays
there,” the Chief Minister said in his address.
He highlighted that the
government was working on new initiatives focused primarily on improving the
overall tourist experience.
Reflecting on the recent
challenges, the Chief Minister recounted the sharp contrast between the
optimism of April 21 and the downturn of April 22, referring to a sudden drop
in tourist footfall following the unfortunate incident.
“From flying over Dal Lake
and seeing hundreds of shikaras to seeing none just days later—it was a brutal
reminder that the past can intrude into our present and, God forbid, our
future,” he said.
He acknowledged the volatility
that tourism in J&K has witnessed over the decades and emphasized the
importance of resilience.
“Unlike most other places
where tourism planning can be done for years ahead, here we plan week to week.
But still—we plan, and we persist,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to
FICCI and the larger tourism fraternity for standing by Jammu & Kashmir in
both good and challenging times.
The event was attended by
Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah, Salman Sagar, Altaf
Ahmad Kaloo, Tanvir Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta,
Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, FICCI past president Jyotsna Suri,
Head of FICCI J&K Chapter Mushtaq Burza, and a host of film producers, MICE
organizers, wedding planners, golfers, and stakeholders from the tourism and
hospitality sector.
Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah outlined efforts to broaden the tourism footprint in the region.
“We are working on a
project called SPREAD, aimed at developing nine new tourist destinations in
both Kashmir and Jammu, with expected support from multilateral funding
agencies,” he said.
The Chief Minister also
emphasized the diversity of tourism opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We can’t confine ourselves
to three or four destinations. Jammu offers pilgrimage and border tourism.
Kashmir offers scenic, cultural and adventure tourism. Together, we can build a
more holistic tourism ecosystem," he said.
Discussing connectivity, CM
Omar Abdullah noted the transformative impact of railway infrastructure.
“Traveling by train through
tunnels and world’s highest rail bridge into the valley is a breathtaking
experience. We may not yet have a direct Delhi-Srinagar line, but that day
isn’t far,” he said.
He also underscored the
government’s commitment to infrastructure development and niche tourism
sectors.
“We are close to completing
a world-class conference facility in Gulmarg to supplement venues like SKICC.
Areas like MICE tourism, golf, film and destination weddings are vital components
of our future strategy," CM said.
The Chief Minister urged
the tourism fraternity to be active partners.
“We value your support,
suggestions, and most importantly—your criticism when needed. Together, we can
build a resilient and vibrant tourism sector that not only brings visitors but
makes them want to return,” Abdullah said.
On the occasion, Chief Minister launched a book
‘Golfing in Paradise’ authored by Atul Dir, celebrating Jammu & Kashmir’s
growing appeal as a premier golf tourism destination.