Diplomat Correspondent
Gulmarg, (DD): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday called for a renewed focus on promoting tourism within Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the importance of local engagement before the arrival of visitors from other parts of the country.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Gulmarg — a day after a similar review was held in Pahalgam — the Chief Minister stated that tourism in the Valley had come to a standstill following recent disruptions. “It is clear that everything came to a halt after April 22. That’s why we must take the first step ourselves,” he remarked.
To help restore normalcy and build public confidence, the Chief Minister instructed the Education Minister to encourage schools and colleges to organise excursions to major tourist spots such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam. “We need to generate local footfall first. It sends a strong message of confidence,” he said.
Omar also welcomed the recent voluntary visit by a delegation of individuals who expressed a desire to tour the region. “They reached out to us on their own. We didn’t send them an invitation. Their visit is a positive sign, and I hope it contributes meaningfully to our tourism revival efforts,” he said.
Acknowledging that some key destinations remain under partial closure — including Doodhpathri, Betab Valley, and certain areas of Gulmarg and Pahalgam — the Chief Minister called for a phased reassessment of these restrictions. “If we are serious about restarting tourism, we must gradually and responsibly review the current closures,” he said.
While reiterating the importance of maintaining security, Omar stressed that active steps must be taken to reopen iconic destinations and support the livelihoods of those dependent on the tourism sector(DD)