by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: In a significant move to bolster tourism and hospitality in Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, inaugurated Sarovar Premiere, an 83-key facility in the heart of the Srinagar city, marking what he termed a “milestone for leisure and business tourism.” Speaking at the event, Wani emphasised the importance of addressing the region’s infrastructural gaps in tourism and outlined a strategic vision for sustainable growth.
Wani acknowledged the challenges that had beset the tourism sector in recent years, including inconsistent and often negative promotion efforts. Reflecting on his tenure as Tourism Minister, he underscored the government’s commitment to tourism as a key economic driver, crediting past successes to a coordinated effort between government and industry stakeholders. However, he cautioned that future endeavours must adopt a more responsible and nuanced approach to ensure sustained growth.
Highlighting the need for diversification, Wani warned against overexposing popular tourist destinations and advocated for the development of untapped areas. He assured property developers that the government would support such initiatives while stressing the importance of sustainable practices. He called on developers to prioritise environmental safeguards, including waste management and water treatment systems and pledged that the government would enhance destination-level infrastructure to complement these efforts.
The evolving demands of business tourism were also addressed in Wani’s speech. He stressed the importance of creating not just more accommodations but also specialised facilities to cater to niche markets, such as high-end leisure tourism (including golf and skiing), vice tourism, and spiritual tourism. In particular, he highlighted the potential of the Sufi circuit to attract visitors from regions like the Middle East and Central Asia.
Wani also underscored the integration of the region’s handicraft industry with tourism. He lauded Srinagar’s recognition as a World Crafts Center by the World Crafts Council, calling it a significant milestone that could enhance the region’s appeal. He urged stakeholders to promote both tourism and handicrafts in tandem to offer a unique, multifaceted experience to visitors.
Advocating for a rational approach to growth, Wani cautioned against following trends blindly. “We must not follow the same beaten path,” he said, urging stakeholders to focus on critical thinking and responsible planning. He called for collaboration between tourism bodies, business leaders, and the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that tourism development benefits all stakeholders and preserves the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
To institutionalise these ideas, Wani announced plans to establish a Tourism Advisory Board, comprising experts from the hospitality and tourism sectors. This board would provide strategic guidance to ensure the industry’s growth aligns with sustainability and long-term objectives.
The event concluded on a personal and poignant note, as Wani paid tribute to Mr Manzoor, expressing gratitude for his partnership and support. He recited a heartfelt couplet:
“Mann mei aapki har baat rahegi,
Basti choti hai magar aabaad rahegi,
Chahe hum bula dein zamane ko dost,
Magar aapki ye dosti hamesha yaad rahegi.”
Wani’s closing remarks reiterated the need for collaboration, innovation, and responsibility in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, envisioning it as a cornerstone of the region’s prosperity.
