Omar Abdullah Highlights Tourism Development in Srinagar

Synopsis

On March 13, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the government's commitment to promoting religious and tourist sites in Srinagar to enhance tourism and attract visitors. He highlighted the economic significance of tourism and ongoing development projects aimed at diversifying tourist experiences.

Key Takeaways

Omar Abdullah prioritizes tourism in Srinagar.
Focus on promoting unique religious and tourist sites.
Tourism is vital for J&K's economy.
Diversification includes adventure, MICE, and eco-tourism.
Infrastructure projects are expanding tourist attractions.

Jammu, March 13 (NationPress) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Thursday that his administration is focusing on the development of religious and tourist attractions in Srinagar city to elevate tourism and draw in more visitors.

"Locations such as Dal Lake, Nishat, Shalimar, Chashmashahi, Pari Mahal, along with various shrines, temples, and gurudwaras, highlight the distinctiveness of Srinagar. We are dedicated to promoting these sites," the Chief Minister stated during an address in the Assembly.

He was answering a question from NC member Ali Mohammad Sagar about the tourism sector's impact on J&K’s economy and the initiatives taken to enhance tourist numbers.

The Chief Minister stressed that tourism serves as a vital component of J&K’s economic framework, playing a significant role in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating jobs.

"This sector creates both direct and indirect employment opportunities, including hotel personnel, tour operators, taxi drivers, souvenir sellers, and local youth," he mentioned.

Abdullah also informed the assembly that measures are being taken to broaden the tourism sector by promoting different types of tourism, such as adventure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), golf, eco, pilgrimage, as well as cultural and heritage tourism.

"This diversification aims to attract a more diverse array of visitors to Jammu & Kashmir," he added.

In his capacity as Minister overseeing the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister noted that the government is actively advertising J&K’s premier tourist sites on both national and international stages.

Furthermore, the Tourism Department is concentrating on the development of lesser-known destinations to broaden tourism beyond the usual hotspots.

"We are working on enhancing less-explored locations like Gurez, Keran, Bungus, Tosamaidan, Aharbal, Doodhpathri, Machail, Bhaderwah, Sukrala Mata, and Pancheri to attract more tourists," he elaborated.

The Chief Minister reported that tourist footfall in J&K has significantly surged over the past two years. In 2023, J&K witnessed 2,11,80,011 tourist visits, with an increase to 2,35,90,081 in 2024.

He also provided updates on infrastructure projects undertaken by the Tourism Department in the last three years: In 2022-23, 984 projects were initiated, with 549 completed; In 2023-24, 1,191 projects were undertaken, and 516 were completed; and in 2024-25 (to date), 1,914 projects have commenced, with 1,057 completed.

"Our emphasis remains on enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experiences, and ensuring sustained sector growth," he concluded.