SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday held an interactive session with a visiting delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and acknowledged their efforts in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a tourist destination.
The session was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob Farooq, IATO President Ravi Gosain, senior officials, tourism stakeholders, and office bearers of IATO.
“We are grateful to IATO for organising this visit. Trust works both ways. Your presence assures us that we are on the right path,” the Chief Minister said during the meeting.
Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran, the Chief Minister said, “To call it unfortunate would be an understatement. It affected 26 families directly and impacted the confidence of many others. Just when the season had started to show promise, the setback was evident by mid-June.”
Expressing hope about recovery, Omar Abdullah said, “Since the 2022 season, we’ve seen an increase in tourist movement. Srinagar was active, with taxis carrying luggage to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and other places.”
He said the aim is to encourage repeat visits. “We want tourists to return. That’s why your feedback matters—for better services, improved infrastructure and enhanced adventure tourism.”
On development of new sites, the Chief Minister said nine destinations are being developed in coordination with the Government of India. “Destinations in both Jammu and Kashmir will be promoted equally.”
Speaking on transport, Omar Abdullah mentioned the popularity of the new train services to Kashmir and said he would take up the issue of capacity constraints with the Ministry of Railways. “Demand is rising, and we will explore increasing the train length and frequency.”
He added that efforts were being made to reopen destinations closed after the April attack. “We have started the process. It’s about restoring confidence among tourists and locals.”
He also mentioned the potential of adventure tourism in places like Betab Valley and Gulmarg. “Zip-lining, mountain biking, and trekking are being considered. We’re in touch with national-level providers to implement these plans.”
The Chief Minister welcomed IATO’s proposal for a tourism event later this year. “We will send a delegation from J&K, including government and private stakeholders, to showcase the region’s tourism offerings.”
IATO President Ravi Gosain assured continued support in promoting Kashmir. “We are committed to showcasing Kashmir’s culture and landscape to domestic and international audiences,” he said.
The Chief Minister thanked the delegation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting tourism through collaboration and sustained outreach.
Earlier, the IATO delegation shared feedback from their visit and suggestions for the way forward in the aftermath of the April 22 attack. They appreciated government efforts in restoring normalcy and stressed the need for continued confidence-building, infrastructure improvement, and targeted campaigns to attract tourists.
