In a significant move to boost tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat held a constructive meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his two-day visit to the Union Territory, which began on June 18. The meeting focused on enhancing tourism infrastructure, promoting heritage and spiritual tourism, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Describing the interaction as “positive and forward-looking,” Minister Shekhawat highlighted the shared vision between the Centre and the state government to reposition Jammu & Kashmir as a vibrant global tourism destination. Taking to social media platform X, he expressed gratitude to CM Abdullah for hosting a warm dinner interaction and reaffirmed the commitment to tourism-led development in the region.
Key areas of discussion included improving visitor infrastructure, expanding heritage tourism circuits, and implementing initiatives aimed at rebuilding traveler confidence in the wake of the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and had a significant impact on tourist footfall. As part of recovery efforts, 16 tourist destinations recently reopened by the Lieutenant Governor mark a decisive step toward normalcy.
Mr. Shekhawat’s visit also included stops at key spiritual and heritage sites such as the Mata Kheer Bhawani shrine, the ancient Martand Sun Temple, and popular tourist destinations like Pahalgam and Betaab Valley in Anantnag district. These visits underscore the government’s commitment to spiritual and cultural tourism, and to boosting the local economy through sustained, responsible tourism growth.
Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah has been actively visiting different regions of Kashmir, holding strategic discussions with stakeholders to revitalize tourism and send a message of safety and hospitality to travelers. Both leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to preserving Jammu & Kashmir’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the resilience of its people, while transforming the region into a year-round tourism hotspot.
