Omar Abdullah Unveils Bold Tourism Revival Vision for Kashmir
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar
In a landmark address at the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Revival Dialogue held at SKICC Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a rousing call to action, reaffirming his government’s commitment to making Kashmir India’s premier tourist destination.
With the serene Dal Lake in the backdrop and SKICC brimming with hoteliers, tour operators, travel influencers, and international delegates, Omar reflected on the emotional turbulence the region has weathered—particularly the tragic Pahalgam attack in April that disrupted tourism momentum.
“In most destinations, tourism is a seasonal industry. In Kashmir, it’s a matter of survival. Unlike others who plan years ahead, we plan week-to-week. And yet—we plan, and we persist,” Omar said, setting the tone for a deeply emotive and forward-looking vision.
Project SPREAD: A Blueprint for Diversified Tourism
One of the biggest announcements of the day was the launch of Project SPREAD (Strategic Promotion of Regional, Eco, and Adventure Destinations). With backing from international funding agencies, the ambitious plan aims to develop nine new tourist destinations across both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, ensuring regionally balanced tourism growth.
These new spots will spotlight:
- Eco-tourism hubs in virgin forest belts
- Adventure circuits with trekking, skiing, and rafting
- Cultural trails that link historical sites, Sufi shrines, and heritage towns
- Community tourism models that engage local artisans and village homestays
This approach aims to decongest conventional tourist routes like Pahalgam and Gulmarg while elevating underexplored gems like Lolab, Bani, and Gurez.
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MICE Tourism and Conference Infrastructure in Gulmarg
Omar Abdullah emphasized the potential of MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), announcing the near-completion of a world-class conference facility in Gulmarg. This venue will host:
- Corporate retreats and international summits
- Film industry conclaves and promotional events
- Scientific seminars and tech expos
This signals a major step toward year-round tourism, as conferences will attract business travelers even in off-peak months, stimulating local economies in hospitality, transport, and catering.
Spiritual, Scenic, and Border Tourism: Reimagining the Experience
Calling for a new tourism narrative, the CM urged a shift from monoculture tourism to multi-dimensional travel experiences:
- Pilgrimage tourism around Vaishno Devi, Amarnath, Charar-e-Sharif, and Hazratbal
- Scenic escapades into Doodhpathri, Bangus, and Tosa Maidan
- Border tourism along LOC villages with proper safeguards
- Cultural immersion through local festivals, crafts, and folk music
The goal is to give every visitor a layered understanding of Kashmir: not just its landscapes, but its soul.
Weddings, Golf, and Film Shoots: Luxury Meets Local Economy
CM Abdullah highlighted the booming potential of destination weddings, golf tourism, and Bollywood shoots in the region:
- Gulmarg and Pahalgam to be promoted as dream wedding destinations with tailored infrastructure
- New golf courses and exclusive golf packages to target high-end domestic and international tourists
- Revival of Kashmir’s golden film era with a single-window clearance for shoots, subsidies, and local crew hiring
These initiatives will blend luxury tourism with employment generation, especially for local youth trained in event management, cinematography, and hospitality.
Public-Private Partnerships and Community Engagement
The CM made a direct appeal to business leaders, tourism professionals, and civil society:
“Tourism is not the government’s alone to nurture. It belongs to every Kashmiri household. Each of us has a role in how we host, how we protect, and how we grow.”
He proposed setting up District Tourism Committees comprising locals, hoteliers, NGOs, and Panchayat members to ensure grassroots involvement in tourism planning and grievance redressal.
The Role of Infrastructure: Rail, Roads, and Regional Connectivity
Omar underlined the importance of connectivity as the backbone of sustainable tourism. Key updates included:
- Acceleration of the Katra-Banihal railway line, soon to transform access to the Valley
- Multi-lane road projects to reduce travel time from major airports
- Upgrades to Srinagar, Jammu, and Kushok Bakula airports
- Helipad services to be expanded for pilgrimage, rescue, and VIP movement
“Without seamless movement, even the most scenic spot becomes invisible. Infrastructure is not a luxury—it’s a prerequisite,” he noted.
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Bottom-Line: “Plan, Persist, Prosper”
Omar Abdullah’s speech was not just a policy outline—it was a call for resilience, optimism, and collective stewardship. As the Valley inches toward peak tourist season, the real takeaway from the SKICC summit was clear:
Kashmir isn’t just open for tourism. It’s open for transformation.
The Kashmir tourism revival won’t be easy. But with focused leadership, public trust, and inclusive planning, the dream of restoring Kashmir to its rightful place on the global travel map looks brighter than ever.
