Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged travel agents and tour operators to work closely with the government to project Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, vibrant, and year-round tourism destination.
Speaking at an interaction with travel and trade stakeholders in Mumbai, the Chief Minister emphasized that strong cooperation with the tourism industry is vital to rebuild traveler confidence and expand tourist outreach. The event was attended by representatives from Maharashtra and Gujarat, two key states that continue to drive tourist arrivals to the Union Territory.
Highlighting Maharashtra as one of the most important source markets, Abdullah lauded travel agencies in the state for their support during challenging times, particularly after last year’s Pahalgam attack. “Their continued trust and promotion have played a crucial role in reviving tourist movement and restoring faith among travellers across the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the diverse tourism offerings of Jammu and Kashmir, including leisure travel, adventure sports, pilgrimage circuits, and wellness tourism. He assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to ensuring visitor safety, improving infrastructure, and creating a tourist-friendly environment across all destinations.
Abdullah also emphasized the need to promote year-round tourism, ensuring benefits reach multiple regions and local communities. “Consistent engagement with tour operators and travel bodies will help diversify tourism products and attract both domestic and international visitors,” he added.
The outreach programme was organized under the Maharashtra and Gujarat Travel Fraternity initiative. During the event, several travel agents and associations were felicitated for their efforts in promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred tourism destination.
The interaction was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Parliament Gurinder Singh Shammi, Gulmarg MLA Peerzada Farooq Ahmed Shah, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta, and representatives of major travel bodies from Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Officials said the programme aimed to strengthen coordination with the travel industry and reinforce efforts to position Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred tourism destination in both domestic and international markets.
