Omar Abdullah Urges Collective Push to Reclaim Jammu Kashmir’s Top Tourism Spot

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday made a call for collective efforts from the government and the tourism industry to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s stature as India’s leading tourist destination. Speaking at the FICCI-organised ‘Tourism Revival Dialogue’ at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), the Chief Minister underscored the importance of innovation and long-term planning in reviving and sustaining tourism in the region.

“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,” Abdullah said, referring to recent fluctuations in tourist sentiment following an unfortunate incident in April.

Drawing on the region’s uncertainty that often shadows tourism here, Abdullah said tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is often planned “week to week,” but despite this, “we plan, and we persist.” He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand and diversify the region’s tourism offerings through a major new initiative called SPREAD, which aims to develop nine new tourist destinations across Kashmir and Jammu with anticipated support from multilateral agencies.

The Chief Minister also pointed to the growing potential of niche tourism sectors such as golf, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), film shoots, and destination weddings. “We’re close to completing a world-class conference facility in Gulmarg,” he said, adding that enhanced rail connectivity and improved infrastructure were changing the travel experience into the Valley. “The day is not far when we will see a direct Delhi-Srinagar rail line,” he noted.

Emphasising the diversity of Jammu and Kashmir’s appeal, Abdullah said the region must not restrict itself to a few famous destinations. “Jammu offers pilgrimage and border tourism. Kashmir offers scenic, cultural, and adventure tourism. Together, we can build a holistic ecosystem.”

The event was attended by legislators, senior bureaucrats, industry leaders, and hospitality stakeholders. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, FICCI’s Jyotsna Suri, and Mushtaq Burza of the FICCI J&K chapter were among the prominent attendees.

The Chief Minister also released a coffee-table book titled Golfing in Paradise, authored by Atul Dir, to highlight Jammu and Kashmir’s growing reputation in golf tourism.