J&K to Improve Tourist Experience: CM Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on June 11, emphasised his administration's unwavering commitment to enhancing the tourism experience in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah, who is also the tourism minister, was addressing the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) at the event titled "Rally for the Valley - Let's Go to Jammu and Kashmir."

In his speech, he highlighted the importance of making visitors feel welcomed and inspired to return to the valley. "Tourists have a journey or an experience. They go home and tell others about it. I think there are lessons we've all learned over the past few months," the chief minister said.

Tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir declined following the attack at Baisaran Meadow, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Immediately after the attack, there was a significant exodus of tourists from the Valley. The situation for the tourism industry worsened further during the military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May.

Improved Infrastructure

Chief Minister Abdullah emphasised that the J&K government is using this time to improve infrastructure and enhance the overall visitor experience. “I have already given instructions to the cable car corporation to upgrade the gondola in Gulmarg so that capacity is increased, ticketing is improved and the overall experience is enhanced. The same applies to other tourist attractions in J&K,” he said.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the TAAI delegation for demonstrating solidarity by visiting Kashmir after the recent turmoil. “Let me express deep gratitude, not just from my side or from the government’s side, but on behalf of everyone connected with tourism in Kashmir—thank you for being here and for giving us this boost,” Abdullah said.

Rail Connectivity

Abdullah praised the recent improvements in rail connectivity to Kashmir. “Today Kashmir has a railway. You were able to cross the highest railway bridge in the world, which is a testament to the hard work of engineers and the companies that built it. You crossed the only cable-stayed railway bridge in the country. And you did this in a region of extreme challenges. We hope more people will come,” he said.

Looking To Amarnath Yatra

Meanwhile, People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said that she believes tourism in Jammu and Kashmir will pick up once the Amarnath yatra begins next month. "The train service has started, but tourist inflow towards Kashmir has not increased much yet. I believe that once the Amarnath Yatra begins, tourist inflow will definitely rise. All these deserted tourist spots will once again flourish," Mufti told reporters at Patnitop.

"Hotel owners are troubled, pony operators are troubled. The condition in Patnitop is the same as in Pahalgam. If the Yatra goes well, I am sure tourism will also pick up," she said.

Shikara Race On The Dal

Authorities in the valley are launching several initiatives to revive tourism. On June 11, a shikara race was held at the famous Dal Lake to promote tourism in the region following the Pahalgam attack, according to officials. Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo inaugurated the race, which was organised by a private group of colleges based in Chandigarh. During her address, Itoo emphasised that this initiative would help showcase Jammu and Kashmir's tourism potential on both national and international platforms.

"This race is not just an event, it is a celebration of peace, unity, and unmatched beauty of our J&K. Promoting such activities helps create new narratives around J&K, drawing positive attention and boosting tourism," she said.

The organisers stated that Kashmir is, and will always be, a paradise on earth, resilient to negative incidents.