Kolkata, July 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the Yatra and Tourism Fair, TTF Kolkata -2025, India’s oldest and most trusted B2B Travel Trade Show, Biswa Bangla Mela Pragan, Kolkata.
Addressing a specific gathering of travel professionals, industry stakeholders and dignitaries, the Chief Minister described TTF as an important platform to detect the route for cooperation between Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal and promote mutual development in the tourism sector.
He emphasized that the fair would encourage all stakeholders to make a meaningful contribution to strengthen cultural and economic relations between the two regions.
Several dignitaries also attended the inauguration ceremony, including the Chief Minister’s advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary of CM Dheeraj Gupta, President of Sikkim Legislative Committee, President of Rajkumari Thap, Edita-Chakung), Chairman of Chatvindari Gole. Convenor (Act) Raj Basu for the conservation and tourism of the Union.
The event also saw various tours and enthusiastic participation from various tour operators, tourism authorities and media representatives, highlighting the increasing importance of the eastern Indian market in national and global tourism circuits.
In his address, the Chief Minister, who was the chief guest at the event, exposed the change of Jammu and Kashmir in a one-year round, all-block tourist places, which led to significant progress in infrastructure, access and investor-friendly policies.
He talked about deep cultural and emotional connect between Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal, inviting the state passengers to re -find the timeless attractions, natural beauty and developed experiences of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his privilege to be a part of the country’s major journey trade forum. “This is actually a privilege to be here in TTF Kolkata 2025,” he said. “I heartily appreciate the organizers for creating this important platform that promotes tourism across the country. Jammu and Kashmir are proud to participate in India’s tourism development story as a major stakeholder.”
The Chief Minister explained in detail the remarkable change of witnesses in the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir. “J&K one year round, has developed in all-segment tourism destination,” he said. “We are focusing not only on traditional sites, but also identified and developed off-beat places such as Gurez, Bangas, Bhadirwah, Sansar, Duthapathri and Basohli. These destinations have seen significant development and provide unique experiences to passengers.”
Highlighting the emphasis of J&K on border tourism, the Chief Minister said, “We are promoting tourism in areas such as URI, Keran, Tetwal, and Setaraghh.
The Chief Minister laid special emphasis on community participation in the tourism scenario. “Homastase shows participation at the growing ground level in homestay tourism in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “We are especially supporting women -led houses in rural areas such as Kupwara and Genderbal. This approach is helping us promote inclusive growth while empowering women economically.”
He also underlined the increasing popularity of top tourism in the region. “J&K adventure has emerged as a major center for tourism – it can be skiing, trekking, alpine lake exploration, or mountaineering,” he said. “Our world -class golf courses in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar and Jammu are attracting global enthusiasts including international cricketers. Wedding Tourism, Bhi is gaining momentum with many high -end ceremonies in Srinagar and Gulmarg.”
Referring to the revival of the film tourism, the Chief Minister said, “Jammu and Kashmir are once again regaining their positions as India’s cinematic crown, ideal for making film. Return in the valley in Bollywood is not only increasing the visibility of the region, but also creating livelihood opportunities in the areas.”
Sharing the recent beliefs, he said, “The Tourism initiative of Jammu and Kashmir has earned national praise. We received many praise for places like Keran, Jharopakag, and Yusmarga for the best rural homestay awards of the Ministry of Tourism for our homestay initiative.
Discussing the future prospects, the Chief Minister talked about the emergence of Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for tourism of mice. He said, “We are placed as a major destination for meetings, encouragement, conferences and exhibitions (mice) to Jammu and Kashmir, supported by our natural beauty, cultural prosperity and better infrastructure,” he said.
Looking forward, he emphasized the importance of permanent and inclusive development. “Our tourism strategy anchors in stability, community participation and inheritance protection,” he said. “We are focusing on expanding experienced and niche tourism – from homestay and cultural trails to wellness and rural tourism. Our vision is not only to make Jammu and Kashmir a favorite destination, but is a global benchmark for responsible, inclusive and transformative tourism.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a hot invitation to representatives, investors and travel stakeholders. “I urge you all to visit Jammu and Kashmir and look at its tourism capacity first.
The Travel and Tourism Fair Kolkata to be held from 10–12 July Kolkata with more than 500 exhibitions from 25+ Indian states and 14+ countries with 5,500+ verified travel business professionals, this is the largest tourist networking program before the festive journey season in eastern India.