Kashmir Safe, Tourism Rebounding Post-Pahalgam Incident: Union Minister

SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday said tourism in Kashmir is showing clear signs of revival following the recent terror incident in Pahalgam. He credited the coordinated efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Central Government for rebuilding public confidence.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Tourism Conclave in Srinagar, Minister Gajendra Singh said that the renewed push by the JK government, supported by the Centre, is helping restore trust among travellers and tourism stakeholders.

“After the Pahalgam incident, tourism had slowed down, but it is now reviving. The way the UT administration has taken the lead, along with Central Government delegations and ministerial visits, is part of a strong confidence-building exercise,” he said. “This will undoubtedly bear fruit and bring Kashmir’s tourism back to its earlier momentum.”

Recalling his visit in June, the Union Minister said he had conveyed a clear message that the region is safe and that the recent incident should not discourage visitors. “We all must move forward and revive Kashmir’s tourism sector, which has been growing steadily over the past three years,” he said.

He added that the conclave was organised to bring tourism secretaries from across the country to Kashmir with two main objectives. “First, to enable these officials to carry the message of safety and revival back to their respective states, helping boost domestic tourism; and second, to work towards the Prime Minister’s vision of developing at least 50 iconic destinations across India to global standards.”

The Minister said the conclave aimed to generate ideas and encourage experience-sharing among tourism professionals to improve the overall visitor experience. “It is important that we work with new thinking, learn from one another, and explore ways to improve infrastructure, services, and hospitality standards in Kashmir and beyond,” he added. (JKNS)