At SATTE 2026, CM Omar pitches J&K as premier all-season tourist destination
New Delhi, Feb 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday visited SATTE 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, Delhi and reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s position as the country’s premier all-season tourist destination.
At SATTE 2026, CM Omar visited the Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion (Hall-1A) and was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, and MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani, and Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta.
He undertook a guided walkthrough of the pavilion, interacted with tourism stakeholders and leading travel and tour operators, and spoke to media highlighting J&K’s evolving tourism landscape.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, the CM held further detailed interactions with tourism stakeholders in New Delhi, reiterating the government’s resolve to enhance tourism infrastructure, improve connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across all regions of J&K.
During his engagement with industry leaders, he said that J&K today offers a diverse and expanding tourism portfolio ranging from adventure tourism and rich heritage experiences to pilgrimage circuits and world-class MICE opportunities.
CM Omar invited travellers and investors alike to discover an open, vibrant J&K, ready to welcome the world with renewed confidence and warmth.
He also toured the exhibition area.
J&K’s participation at SATTE 2026 featured nearly 70 tourism stakeholders as co-exhibitors, showcasing destinations, services, and promotional material highlighting the region’s tourism, heritage, adventure, and pilgrimage tourism potential. Live performances by traditional folk musicians added cultural vibrancy to the pavilion and attracted significant visitor interest.
Officers of the Tourism Department would be engaging with travel trade representatives during the exhibition, with the objective of strengthening tourism promotion and increasing tourist footfall in J&K.
Earlier, addressing a grand promotional event held in New Delhi on Thursday evening, which was graced by the Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with diplomats, travel trade representatives, and key stakeholders from the hospitality sector CM Omar said that J&K was poised to emerge as a year-round global tourism destination, backed by renewed confidence, expanded infrastructure, and diversified tourism offerings.
Highlighting J&K's spiritual richness, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, he said J&K embraces visitors from across India and around the world.
The CM said that the government was actively working to broaden the tourism canvas beyond traditional destinations.
He announced the development of new tourism circuits and the identification of nine emerging destinations aimed at offering fresh experiences to travellers.
Reflecting on recent challenges, CM Omar said the government had drawn important lessons from past experiences.
“Have lessons been learned from what happened last year. The fact that it took us so long to open many of our closed destinations is indicative of the lessons we have learned,” he said. "The focus now is firmly on the future and on building a more resilient and responsive tourism ecosystem."
The event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Forum under the leadership of noted hotelier Mushtaq Chaya.
Chaya termed the present phase as one of “unprecedented progress and development,” assuring visitors of world-class hospitality and improved facilities across J&K.
Honorary Secretary General of the forum, Wahid Malik, described the gathering as a historic moment in positioning J&K as a safe and vibrant all-season tourism hotspot.
The event witnessed the presence of Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Tanvir Sadiq, and Altaf Ahmad Wani; Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta; ambassadors from several countries; travel association leaders; senior government officials; and prominent tourism stakeholders, making it a landmark occasion in the promotion of J&K tourism.
