KULGAM, June 6, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Saturday said that the government is actively focusing on identifying and developing offbeat tourist destinations across the Union Territory to diversify the tourism sector and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Kulgam to assess the tourism potential of the scenic Panchanpatri area, which is emerging as one of the region’s promising unexplored destinations.
During the meeting, Sakeena Itoo took a detailed review of measures required to bring Panchanpatri onto the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir and directed concerned departments to ensure the establishment of all necessary basic amenities to attract a larger number of visitors.
She instructed the Tourism Department to comprehensively assess the scope for strengthening tourism infrastructure in the area and formulate plans for its sustainable development.
“Panchanpatri possesses immense natural beauty and has tremendous potential to emerge as a major attraction for nature enthusiasts, trekkers and adventure tourists,” the Minister said.
Highlighting the government’s broader tourism strategy, Itoo said that promoting lesser-known destinations would not only reduce pressure on traditional tourist hotspots but also offer visitors new experiences while encouraging balanced regional development.
“The Government is committed to identifying and developing offbeat destinations to diversify Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism landscape and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities,” she stated.
The Minister emphasized that the promotion of unexplored tourist destinations plays a vital role in strengthening rural economies by creating employment opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship and encouraging local participation in tourism-related activities.
“Promotion of unexplored tourist spots not only enriches visitor experiences but also contributes significantly to economic growth through job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities in rural areas,” she added.
Reaffirming the government’s vision for inclusive and sustainable tourism development, Sakeena Itoo said emerging destinations such as Panchanpatri would play a crucial role in enhancing Jammu and Kashmir’s reputation as a premier tourism destination while ensuring long-term economic benefits for local residents.
She stressed that infrastructure development, accessibility, environmental conservation and community participation would remain key components of the government’s tourism expansion strategy.
During the meeting, the Joint Director Tourism Kashmir briefed the Minister on ongoing initiatives and proposed projects aimed at developing Panchanpatri as a tourism destination. Discussions also focused on infrastructure requirements, visitor facilities and measures needed to promote the area among domestic and international tourists.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Tourism Department and other concerned departments, who reviewed plans for the systematic development of the destination.
The government’s renewed focus on offbeat tourism destinations is expected to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector while opening new avenues for socio-economic development in remote and rural areas.
