Srinagar, May 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired an important meeting with key people from the tourism industry to hear their concerns and discuss the way forward for improving the tourism sector in Kashmir, which has been affected by recent events.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, and Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob.
Also present were leading members from the tourism sector, including Chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, and representatives from hotels, houseboats, travel agencies, and handicrafts.
The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to restoring confidence in the tourism sector and that a detailed and practical plan will be made to revive tourism in the valley.
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“This plan should not be rushed. It should be well thought out,” he said, suggesting that a strong revival strategy should be created with help from the Tourism Department after the completion of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra this year.
The CM also said that the revival package should help hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicraft sellers, and others. He proposed new ideas like shopping festivals like in Dubai, cultural programs by artists, restarting laser fountain shows, and more activities to attract tourists.
He acknowledged the financial stress faced by many people in the tourism industry. “I know many of you are struggling to pay staff, manage daily costs, and deal with loans. I’m especially worried about small business owners who took loans to buy tourist vehicles or build guest houses at home,” he said.
To help such people, Omar Abdullah said he would talk to the Tourism Department and other authorities to request a special relief package from the Government of India.
He said this package should also support people living in border areas where homes and shops were damaged. For tourism stakeholders, he proposed that loan payments should be postponed for at least two quarters to reduce pressure.
The CM also said that there is still strong interest in Jammu & Kashmir as a travel destination. “I am getting calls from people who want to promote tourism and bring visitors back. Once the situation becomes better, I will personally join these promotional campaigns,” he said.
Omar Abdullah assured the attendees that he will raise the issues of financial help and interest relief directly with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and other central government leaders.
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“We will take a structured and result-driven approach,” he said.
During the meeting, stakeholders gave useful suggestions like organizing FAM (Familiarization) tours, inviting corporate groups to use their LTC benefits in Kashmir, hosting government conferences, and reducing airfares to attract more tourists.
They said that with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra coming soon, this is the right time to tell the rest of the country that Kashmir is peaceful, safe, and welcoming to tourists.
