Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday interacted with a delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and acknowledged their efforts in promoting the Union Territory as a premier tourist destination.
The tour operators appealed to their members to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a premier travel destination.
“We are very grateful to the IATO for coming here and organising this visit, because trust works both ways. Your presence assures us that we are on the right path,” Abdullah told the IATO delegation.
Referring to the tragic incident earlier this year, the chief minister said, “To call it unfortunate would be an understatement. It impacted not just 26 families directly but also affected the confidence of many more. Just when the season had begun to look promising, the downturn by mid-June was quite telling.”
A terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.
Highlighting the resilience of the tourism sector, Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about the revival.
“Since the 2022 season, we’ve seen a surge in tourist vehicles. It was encouraging to see Srinagar bustling with activity, taxis with luggage on rooftops heading to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and beyond.”
He stressed that the goal is not to have tourists visit Kashmir just once.
“We want them to return again and again. That’s why your feedback is essential for improving the experience, enhancing infrastructure and expanding the adventure tourism potential,” he said.
Touching on the progress of developing nine new destinations, the chief minister said the government is working closely with the Centre to develop and operationalise them.
“Destinations across Jammu and Kashmir hold immense tourism potential, and both regions will be equally promoted,” he said.
On infrastructure and connectivity, the chief minister noted the popularity of the new train services to Kashmir and promised to take up the issue of capacity constraints with the Ministry of Railways.
“The demand is growing, and we will explore increasing train length and frequency,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of reopening destinations that were temporarily shut following the Pahalgam incident.
“We have begun this process. It’s a matter of restoring confidence — for tourists and for ourselves,” he asserted.
The chief minister expressed his gratitude to the visiting delegation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to elevating Kashmir’s tourism potential through partnership, innovation and sustained promotional efforts.
In a press release, the IATO lauded the steps taken by the Union Territory government to promote tourism.
“The government of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Department of Tourism, has taken commendable steps to upgrade infrastructure, improve accessibility, enhance security, and provide a tourist-friendly environment.
“The presence of dedicated tourism officers, trained police personnel, and round-the-clock support systems instils a sense of security and comfort for every traveller,” the IATO said.
The IATO appealed to all its members, and the larger travel fraternity in the country and abroad, to confidently promote Jammu and Kashmir as a premier tourist destination.
“We assure travellers that Kashmir is open, vibrant, and ready to host them. The valley, in all its natural splendour, is offering not just scenic beauty but a rejuvenating and secure holiday experience,” it said.
It urged the media and travel influencers to share the positive developments and support this effort in rebuilding trust and dispelling unfounded apprehensions.
The IATO further said its delegation witnessed first-hand the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere prevailing across all the locations they visited.
“Pahalgam, Srinagar and surrounding areas are absolutely safe for tourists. The hospitality, warmth, and readiness of the local tourism industry are clearly visible.
“We were heartened to see that both government authorities and private stakeholders are working together seamlessly to ensure the safety, comfort and memorable experiences of all visitors,” it said.
Parks at some tourist destinations, including in Pahalgam, reopened
Several parks in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourist places, including some in Pahalgam, that were closed in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack were reopened on Tuesday, officials said.
The reopening of the parks has been welcomed by the tourists and local visitors alike who thronged the parks at several places.
Security personnel were deployed in strength around the parks to secure the areas and create a sense of security, they said.
Twenty-six people, most of them tourists, were killed by terrorists in Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday ordered the reopening of 16 parks — eight each in Jammu region and Kashmir Valley. He said the destinations would be reopened in a phased manner.
In the first phase, eight parks were reopened in the Kashmir valley.
Betaab Valley in Pahalgam and the parks near Pahalgam market, Verinag, Kokernag and Achabal gardens in Anantnag district, Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal in Srinagar were reopened on Tuesday.
Similarly, eight destinations were reopened in Jammu region as well including Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devipindi, Siyad Baba and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai Valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur.
A large number of school children welcomed the tourists at Verinag — a famous park in south Kashmir’s Anantnag, the officials said.
“We were already feeling good and happy to have come here, but the reopening of the park and the welcome we got is very nice,” a tourist from Patiali, Punjab, told PTI videos.
“We are happy that this park opened after so many days. We have come here with our families and we will visit the park to show them beautiful Kashmir,” Barkat Ali, a tourist from Bikaner area of Rajasthan, said.
“It is a wonderful feeling and experience. We heard that the park was reopening today, so we came. But, the welcome we got is truly the best experience which we cannot express in words,” another tourist from Punjab said. They appealed to the tourists to come to Kashmir in large numbers.
Tourist police personnel were also deployed to assist the visitors. Local MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir also welcomed the reopening of the park.
