Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah has outlined a clear roadmap for transforming the Union Territory’s tourism sector through a stronger focus on value-based growth, infrastructure expansion and enhanced domestic outreach.
Speaking on the current tourism outlook, Abdullah expressed confidence that bookings and visitor inflows will gain momentum as the new season progresses. He underlined that the government’s strategy is not driven purely by increasing footfall, but by improving the overall quality and sustainability of tourism.
He emphasised that Jammu & Kashmir will prioritise attracting Indian travellers, noting that domestic tourists today are aspirational, high-spending and seeking immersive experiences. According to him, securing a strong share of the domestic market offers a more resilient and sustainable growth path than focusing solely on international arrivals.
“Our priority is to ensure that every visitor returns satisfied, valued and eager to come back,” he stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving visitor experience and service standards across destinations.
The Chief Minister also highlighted plans to develop nine new world-class, sustainable tourism destinations in partnership with the Government of India. The initiative reflects a broader shift from volume-driven tourism to a model centred on value creation, environmental responsibility and long-term economic impact.
Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of this strategy. Abdullah stressed the importance of strengthening rail connectivity to Srinagar and expanding airport infrastructure to enable seamless access and support year-round tourism growth across the Union Territory.
With a calibrated focus on quality, connectivity and sustainable development, Jammu & Kashmir is positioning itself for steady, long-term tourism expansion aligned with evolving traveller expectations.
