Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday launched the official Tourism Calendar of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and enhancing visitor outreach across the Union Territory.
The calendar features 12 photographs highlighting destinations from both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, showcasing the region’s natural landscapes, heritage sites, and leisure destinations. Officials said the calendar emphasises year-round tourism and will be circulated widely, with 7,000 copies distributed among central government ministries, UT government departments, members of the J&K Legislative Assembly, administrative offices, and tourism stakeholders.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the official calendar of the J&K Cable Car Corporation, which highlights the corporation’s achievements and its role in improving tourist connectivity at key destinations. The calendar aims to increase public awareness about cable car services and tourism infrastructure in the region.
In addition, the official website of the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir was unveiled. The platform provides authentic and updated information for incoming tourists, including district-wise details of destinations, adventure, heritage and leisure tourism options, key highlights supported by photographs, and links to related tourism departments. Officials said the website will help visitors plan trips with ease and access verified information from a single source.
As part of efforts to promote winter sports, an integrated ski training programme was also launched, linking Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, and Sonamarg. Targeting students aged 12 to 18 years, the programme offers certified skiing training beyond traditional hubs, with an aim to train 500 to 600 students during the current season. Training is already underway in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, with other locations dependent on snowfall conditions.
The launch ceremony was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nisar Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary, Director Tourism, and other senior administrative and political officials.
