Srinagar, June 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held an interactive session with a delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) today and accepted his constant interest and efforts in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a major tourist destination.
The conversation was attended by Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yakub Farooq, Chairman Eto Ravi Gosain, senior officer, lead tourist stakeholders and advisors of IAITO office beer.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister remarked, “We are very grateful to IATO for coming here and organizing this journey, as the trust works in both ways. Your presence assures us that we are on the right path.”
Referring to the tragic incident earlier this year, the Chief Minister said, “There will be an understanding to call it unfortunate. It not only impressed 26 families, but also impressed the trust of many more people. Just when the season started promising the season, the recession was quite saying.”
Highlighting the flexibility of the tourism sector, Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about the revival. “Since the 2022 season, we have seen a bounce in tourist vehicles. It was encouraging Srinagar to move with activity, taxi with goods on roofs, Pahgam, Gulmarg and beyond it.”
He insisted that tourists do not have to visit Kashmir only once. “We want them to return again and again. That is why your response is necessary – to improve experience, increase infrastructure and expand adventure tourism ability.”
Touching the progress to develop nine new destinations, the Chief Minister said that the government is working closely with the Government of India to develop and operate them. “Destination of both Jammu and Kashmir has huge tourism capacity, and both areas will be equally promoted.”
On infrastructure and connectivity, the Chief Minister referred to Kashmir’s popularity of new train services and promised to raise the issue of lack of capacity with the Ministry of Railways. “Demand is increasing, and we will detect the length and frequency of the growing train.”
He also underlined the importance of reopening destinations that were temporarily closing the post-Tragedy. “We have started this process. It is a matter of restoring confidence for tourists and for ourselves.”
Addressing the scope of adventure tourism, Omar Abdullah discovered new ideas in places such as the desperate valley in Pahgam and Gulmarg. “Zip-lineing, mountain biking, and summer trekking can redefine these places. We are in touch with national level adventure infrastructure providers to bring these ideas into life.”
He also welcomed the proposal of IATO for the campaigner tourist program later this year. “We are ready to send a large delegation from both the government and private stakeholders, both the government and the private stakeholders, to show the offerings of the valley.”
President Eto Ravi Gosain, in his address, assured full support from the association in promoting Kashmir in domestic and international markets. “We are committed to showing the beauty and culture of Kashmir to the world,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the upcoming delegation and confirmed the government’s commitment to increase the tourism capacity of Kashmir through partnership, innovation and continuous publicity efforts.
Earlier, during the conversation, the visiting IATO delegation also shared his comments, reactions and valuable suggestions about his visit in the valley and the way ahead for tourism revival after the tragic attack of the 22 April terrorist attack in Baisran, which targeted tourists.
He appreciated the efforts of the government in restoring the spirit of security and generality, while emphasizing the need for continuous confidence-making measures, better infrastructure and targeted campaigns to assure both domestic and international passengers. The delegates reiterated their commitment to partnership with the government in re -introducing Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, premiere and vibrant travel destination.