SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Kolkata-2025 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, calling for enhanced cultural and tourism-based cooperation between Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal. Addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Minister described the event as a significant platform to promote mutual tourism growth and deepen economic engagement.
Speaking as the chief guest at the country’s oldest and one of the largest B2B travel trade shows, Abdullah said Jammu & Kashmir has transformed into a year-round, all-segment tourism destination, offering both traditional and newly developed off-beat locations. He noted the participation of J&K at TTF Kolkata as part of a broader effort to invite travellers from Eastern India and beyond to rediscover the region’s tourism potential.
Abdullah emphasised the deep emotional and cultural connection between the people of West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir, stating that the fair presents an opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to the tourism economy and foster cooperation between the two regions.
The Chief Minister elaborated on the region’s focus on lesser-known tourist destinations including Gurez, Bangus, Bhaderwah, Doodhpathri, Sanasar, and Basohli, in addition to traditional favourites like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar. He said that these areas had seen notable growth and offer unique experiences to visitors.
Special focus was also placed on border tourism, with destinations such as Uri, Keran, Teetwal, and Suchetgarh being promoted for their scenic beauty and cultural value. Abdullah said the government’s aim is to ensure that local communities benefit directly from tourism-led development in these areas.
He highlighted grassroots tourism initiatives, including the growing presence of homestays, especially those led by women in rural areas like Kupwara and Ganderbal. These, he said, are helping promote inclusive growth and support local livelihoods.
The Chief Minister also spoke about niche tourism segments, such as adventure tourism, citing activities like skiing, trekking, alpine lake expeditions, and mountaineering. He added that world-class golf courses in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Jammu are now attracting national and international golf enthusiasts, including cricketers. Wedding tourism, too, is seeing an uptick, with several high-end events recently held in Gulmarg and Srinagar.
Abdullah said film tourism is also experiencing revival. “Jammu & Kashmir is once again reclaiming its position as the cinematic crown of India,” he said, adding that the return of Bollywood is improving visibility and creating employment opportunities in the region.
The Chief Minister listed recent recognitions received by the J&K tourism sector. These include the SKOCH Silver Award for the Homestay Initiative, accolades under the Ministry of Tourism’s Best Rural Homestay Awards for Keran, Jharokabagh, and Yusmarg, and recognition under the ‘Travel for LIFE’ programme for sustainable tourism. Additionally, Aru in Pahalgam was awarded Best Tourism Village in the Adventure Category.
Looking ahead, Abdullah said J&K is positioning itself as a hub for MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), backed by infrastructure development and natural attractions.
He stressed that Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism strategy is based on sustainability, community involvement, and heritage preservation, with a focus on experiential and niche offerings such as homestays, cultural trails, wellness, and rural tourism. “Our vision is to make Jammu & Kashmir not just a preferred destination, but a global benchmark for responsible, inclusive, and transformative tourism,” he said.
Abdullah invited delegates, investors, and travel professionals to visit Jammu & Kashmir and explore collaboration opportunities. “TTF Kolkata offers us a unique platform to foster deeper cultural and economic ties with West Bengal,” he said. “J&K has always held a special place in the hearts of travellers from Eastern India, and we look forward to welcoming them again with renewed experiences.”
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Committee Rajkumari Thapa, MLA (Soreng-Chakung) Aditya Gole, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Neelu Sharma, Counsel General of Thailand Siriporn Tantipanyathep, and Raj Basu, Convenor of the Association for Conservation & Tourism (ACT).
The event witnessed active participation from tour operators, tourism officers, and media representatives, underscoring the importance of the eastern market in India’s travel industry.
TTF Kolkata 2025, being held from July 10 to 12, hosts over 500 exhibitors from more than 25 Indian states and 14 countries, alongside 5,500 verified travel trade professionals, making it the largest tourism networking event in Eastern India ahead of the upcoming festive travel season.
