Terrorism is over, it's time for tourism In J&K: CM
New Delhi, Feb 27: Positioning J&K as a year-round destination, Abdullah emphasised its spiritual richness, natural beauty, and deep cultural heritage.
In a bold statement at a Delhi event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared that terrorism in J&K had ended, and the region was now focused on promoting tourism.
Positioning J&K as a year-round destination, CM Omar emphasised its spiritual richness, natural beauty, and deep cultural heritage.
He stressed that J&K does not need a brand ambassador, as the region was already home to globally revered spiritual sites such as the Vaishno Devi Temple and numerous other shrines that attract millions of devotees each year.
“When you have divine blessings, why do you need a brand ambassador?" he said.
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, which he called as “unfortunate," the CM said that the region had learned valuable lessons and was now ready to “turn the page" and enter a new phase of development.
CM Omar highlighted the launch of several new tourism circuits, with more in the pipeline, aimed at diversifying visitor traffic beyond the traditional hubs.
Speaking on infrastructure improvements, he thanked the Centre for allocating Rs 300 crore towards the expansion of airports, acknowledging that connectivity remains a challenge.
However, the CM expressed confidence that the future of tourism in J&K was “very bright."
He also said that nine new tourism destinations would soon be opened, working in coordination with the central government, to decongest popular areas and encourage growth in the outer regions of Srinagar.
CM Omar also extended an invitation to the Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to formally inaugurate the iconic Tulip Garden in Srinagar.
He said that had he not been attending the Delhi event, he would have extended a personal invitation.
On the sidelines of the event, prominent hotelier Mushtaq Chaya described the current phase as one of “only progress and development," stating that the “dark age is over" and welcoming every Indian to Srinagar with an assurance of hospitality “from the heart."
Union Minister Shekhawat endorsed Chaya’s role as a brand ambassador for J&K tourism and pledged full central support to the sector.
He described J&K as a “complete package" — blending tourism, spirituality, art and culture - and stressed that Kashmir cannot be missed in India’s growth story.
The event, organised by the Allied Business Forum, aimed to promote tourism investment and reposition Jammu and Kashmir as a secure, all-season global destination.
Chaya, a leading figure in Kashmir’s hospitality sector, expressed his belief that the region’s tourism industry has entered a phase of irreversible growth and stability.
He said that the hotel fraternity stands united in welcoming visitors from across India, assuring safety, warmth, and world-class hospitality in Srinagar and beyond.
Courtesy: CNN-News18
