Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, Nov 29: The Jammu and Kashmir government is looking to the winter season to revitalize the Kashmir’s tourism industry, which experienced a significant downturn this past summer months following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has emphasized that ample and timely snowfall is critical for the sector’s recovery after a challenging year marked by security concerns. “The key to increasing tourist footfall is snowfall. We have had a completely dry November,” the Chief Minister stated, according to Kashmir Convener. He expressed optimism that weather conditions would improve in December.
Chief Minister Omar made these remarks at a function in Srinagar to launch the Kashmir Chapter of SKÅL International.
CM Omar as per Kashmir Convener said that this initiative aims to strengthen global tourism linkages and expand international outreach for Jammu & Kashmir. He confirmed that popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are fully prepared to welcome visitors, with promotional campaigns already underway.
While tourist arrivals have been subdued, the Chief Minister as per this newspaper asserted that they have not ceased entirely. He anticipated a significant surge during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, provided the weather is favourable.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled a government plan to develop nine new tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir as a mega-project involving substantial investment. “The foundation of this project is sustainability—environmentally responsible development that involves the local community. Tourism, or any industry that does not benefit locals, is an industry that will not survive,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on the sector’s historical volatility, CM Omar expressed a positive outlook for the future. “We have seen many ups and downs in J&K’s tourism. Now, I want you to see only an upward trend. The partnership between SKÅL and Kashmir Tourism formalised today will be mutually beneficial,” he said.
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