Srinagar, Jun 27, 2025: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday called for collective efforts from the government and tourism stakeholders to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s stature as India’s premier tourist destination.
Speaking at the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Revival Dialogue held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the event was jointly organised by FICCI and the J&K Department of Tourism. The Chief Minister emphasized the shared responsibility in reviving and sustaining the region’s tourism potential.
“It is our collective duty to ensure Jammu and Kashmir regains and retains its position as the country’s foremost tourist destination,” Omar said. He highlighted that the government is actively working on new initiatives aimed at enriching the overall tourist experience.
Recalling the fragile nature of tourism in the region, he spoke of a dramatic drop in footfall after a recent incident. “From hundreds of shikaras on Dal Lake to none in just a few days — it reminded us how quickly optimism can turn into silence,” he said, stressing the need for resilience. “Unlike other places, we plan tourism week-to-week. Still, we plan—and we persist.”
Omar thanked FICCI and the wider tourism industry for standing with Jammu and Kashmir through both highs and lows.
The Chief Minister also outlined Project SPREAD, aimed at developing nine new tourist destinations across both Jammu and Kashmir, with expected support from multilateral funding agencies. He stressed the need to go beyond popular destinations. “We can’t limit ourselves to just Gulmarg, Pahalgam, or Vaishno Devi. Jammu offers immense potential for pilgrimage and border tourism, while Kashmir brings scenic, adventure, and cultural tourism to the table.”
Touching upon infrastructure development, he spoke of the transformative impact of railway connectivity. “The journey into the Valley via tunnels and the world’s highest railway bridge is breathtaking. A direct Delhi-Srinagar line may not exist yet, but it’s coming,” he added.
Omar also highlighted the upcoming completion of a world-class convention facility in Gulmarg, which will complement SKICC. He emphasized sectors like MICE tourism, golf, film tourism, and destination weddings as key to J&K’s future tourism strategy.
“I urge the tourism fraternity to be active partners—not just with support, but also with honest feedback. Together, we can build a tourism ecosystem that is not only resilient but welcoming enough to bring visitors back again and again,” the CM said.
On the occasion, Omar Abdullah launched the book Golfing in Paradise by Atul Dir, showcasing J&K’s emerging appeal as a golf tourism destination.
Advisor to the CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, also addressed the gathering, noting that J&K was among the first regions in India to emerge as a tourism hub. “It’s time to fully develop niche segments such as adventure tourism, leisure travel, MICE, and destination weddings. Kashmir must be positioned as both affordable and unforgettable,” he said.
The event was attended by senior political leaders, government officials, industry stakeholders, film producers, event planners, and hospitality professionals, reflecting a united push toward tourism revival in Jammu and Kashmir.
