Gulmarg: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today unveiled the curtain raiser of the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at the Gulmarg Convention Centre, formally setting the tone for the national event scheduled to be held in Srinagar from December 17 to 20, 2025. He said the convention would play a pivotal role in positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a leading global destination for adventure tourism.
According to an official press release, addressing the gathering, the chief minister expressed gratitude to ATOAI and its leadership for choosing Srinagar as the venue for its 17th Annual Convention, terming it a strong vote of confidence in favour of Jammu & Kashmir tourism.
He observed that any meaningful discussion on adventure tourism in India remains incomplete without reference to Jammu and Kashmir, which historically pioneered activities such as mountaineering, trekking, white water rafting and, notably, skiing.
Recalling Gulmarg’s legacy, the chief minister said skiing was practised here long before it gained popularity elsewhere in the country. However, he noted with concern that changing circumstances and climatic shifts had caused Jammu and Kashmir to lag behind other destinations that are now more frequently mentioned in national conversations on trekking, mountaineering and rafting.
Highlighting the visible impact of climate change, the chief minister drew attention to the stark reduction in snowfall over recent years. He pointed out that while Gulmarg used to receive heavy snowfall by mid-December, recent winters have seen little to none, posing a serious challenge to winter tourism and skiing. “If we do not adapt, skiing in Gulmarg risks becoming a memory rather than a living tradition,” he cautioned.
Emphasising the need for technological interventions, the chief minister advocated adoption of artificial snow-making systems, as practised in several European ski destinations. He suggested storing rainwater and deploying snow machines when temperatures fall below zero, at least on select slopes, particularly those serviced by newly installed drag lifts. He also proposed the installation of floodlights on certain ski slopes, on the lines of Japan, to extend skiing hours into the evening and maximise tourist activity during short winter days.
Such measures, he said, would not only enhance visitor experience but also significantly boost the livelihoods of local ski guides, instructors, equipment rental services and other stakeholders dependent on winter tourism. He stressed that investment in drag-lifts alone would not yield dividends unless complemented by assured snow cover and extended operational hours.
The chief minister further suggested exploring summer skiing on higher-altitude slopes where snow persists, urging the Tourism Department to examine feasibility and make optimal use of existing infrastructure with minor adaptations.
Underlining the broader vision behind partnering with ATOAI, he said the convention provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from best practices across the country while showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s immense but under-utilised adventure tourism potential. With the right blend of local strengths and national expertise, he expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir could emerge as India’s foremost adventure tourism destination.
Omar Abdullah reiterated that the true measure of success in tourism lies not merely in attracting visitors once, but in inspiring them to return repeatedly. He called for a responsible, visitor-friendly approach that ensures memorable experiences and sustained goodwill.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said infrastructure development and tourism promotion would continue unabated.
Acknowledging the challenges faced during a particularly difficult year for tourism, the chief minister assured all stakeholders of continued government support for Gulmarg and other destinations.
He concluded by expressing hope that the forthcoming ATOAI Annual Convention would be successful and mutually beneficial, strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s standing on the national and global adventure tourism map.
