Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said his Government’s top priority is to make the region a global tourism hotspot.
Abdullah made the statement during his visit to the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Pavilion at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025, Asia’s largest travel trade show, being held at the Jio World Convention Centre here.
The event, which runs from January 30 to February 1, has brought together exhibitors and buyers from across the globe, providing a platform for destinations to showcase their unique offerings.
This year, Jammu and Kashmir has made a strong impression with the participation of 120 tourism trade and travel operators, highlighting the region’s unparalleled tourism potential.
From its breathtaking landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, the pavilion showcased why Jammu and Kashmir is a must-visit destination for travellers worldwide.
The Chief Minister emphasized his Government’s unwavering commitment to tourism promotion, and said, “Tourism is a top priority for our Government, and we are dedicated to positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a global tourism hotspot.
“Our participation in events like OTM is a step towards achieving this vision,” Abdullah said, interacting with stakeholders, including travel operators, artisans and tourism officials.
He also inquired about the arrangements in place for their participation.
The Chief Minister also conducted a detailed inspection of the pavilion, appreciating the efforts to present Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse offerings creatively.
He directed the Tourism Department to ensure maximum outreach by actively engaging in major travel marts across the country and internationally.
Abdullah reiterated that his Government is committed to supporting the tourism industry and ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir continues to shine on the global stage.
The stakeholders expressed optimism about forging new collaborations and attracting more visitors to Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Billionaire Chairman and Managing Director of JSW group Sajjan Jindal today announced various initiatives to develop the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir as a world-class destination for holidays.
Jindal made the announcement after meeting Omar Abdullah who engaged in a series of high-profile one-on-one meetings during the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) event here.
“Had a great meeting with Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. We discussed the development of Gulmarg along with the ski slopes to make it a world class destination for skiing and holidays. The JSW Group will take up various initiatives through the JSW Foundation!” Jindal wrote in a post on X.
Gulmarg, about 50 km from summer capital Srinagar, is the star attraction for tourists visiting Kashmir, especially the winter sports lovers.
It is hosting the fifth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 from February 22 to 25, with over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories and sports boards expected to participate in competitions such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding and a demonstration sport—snowshoe racing.
Abdullah, who also shared Jindal’s post, said he engaged in pivotal discussions with sector leaders at the MICE event to unlock Jammu and Kashmir’s untapped potential.
“…preserving ecology, celebrating heritage and prioritizing immersive experiences over volume. J&K isn’t just heaven on earth—it’s India’s all-season gateway to wonder,” the Chief Minister wrote in another post shared on X by his office.
