Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that it is the collective duty of the government and tourist stakeholders to restore the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as the former-prestigious tourist destination of the country and ensures that it remains.
The Chief Minister was addressing the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Revival Dialogue’ jointly organized by FICCI and Tourism Department, J&K at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) in Srinagar.
The Chief Minister said in his address, “It is binding on us that we do everything in our power to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir go back to their position as a pre-eminent tourist destination in the country and then live there,”
Considering the recent challenges, the Chief Minister recalled a sharp contrast on 21 April on April 21, referring to a sudden decline in tourist legs after the unfortunate incident. He said, “Not only a few days after flying on Dal Lake and seeing hundreds of prey – it was a cruel reminder that the past could infiltrate our current and, God refused our future,” he said.
He acknowledged the instability that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has seen for decades and emphasized the importance of flexibility. He said, “Unlike most other places, where tourism plans can be done for the years, here we plan the week to the week. But still we plan, and we remain,” he said.
He thanked the FICCI and the big tourist fraternity for standing by Jammu and Kashmir for standing in good and challenging times.
The event was attended by CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Malas Farooq Ahmed Shah, Salman Sagar, Altaf Ahmed Kalu, Advisor to Tanveer Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, head of FICCI Juteson Suri, head of FICSI, head of FICCI Juteson Suri. Planner, golfer and stakeholders from tourism and hospitality sector.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underlined efforts to broaden the tourism footprint in the region. “We are working on a project called Spread, aimed at developing nine new tourist places in both Kashmir and Jammu, with the expected support from multilateral funding agencies,” he said.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the diversity of tourism opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. “We cannot limit ourselves to three or four destinations. The Jammu provides pilgrimage and border tourism. Kashmir provides beautiful, cultural and adventure tourism. Along with this, we can build a more holistic tourism ecosystem.”
Discussing connectivity, CM noted the transformational effect of railway infrastructure: “Traveling by train through tunnels in the valley and the world’s highest rail bridge is a breathtaking experience. We may not have a straight Delhi-Srinagar line yet, but that day is not far away.”
He also underlined the government’s commitment to the development of infrastructure and top tourism areas. “We are close to completing a world -class conference facility in Gulmarg for complement of places like Skicc. Areas such as tourism, golf, film and destination weddings of mice are important components of our future strategy.”
The Chief Minister urged to be an active participant from the tourism fraternity. “We give importance to your support, suggestions and most important things – your criticism when needed. Along with, we can build a flexible and vibrant tourist field that not only brings visitors, but wants to return them.”
On this occasion, the Chief Minister started a book ‘Golfing in Paradise’ written by Atul Dir, in which the growing appeal of Jammu and Kashmir was celebrated as a major golf tourist destination.
The advisor of Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani also spoke on the occasion and said that J&K had emerged as a tourist center before other states in India and now we need to develop a full range of top tourism activities in J&K such as adventure tourism, holiday tourism with tourism, promoted Kashmir as a cheap and amazing wedding destination.