New Delhi, Feb 26: In a bold statement at a Delhi event, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared that terrorism in the Union Territory has ended, and the region is now focused on promoting tourism.
Positioning J&K as a year-round destination, Abdullah emphasised its spiritual richness, natural beauty, and deep cultural heritage. He stressed that the Union Territoy does not need a brand ambassador, as the region is 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 remarked.
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, which he called as “unfortunate,” Abdullah noted that the region has learned valuable lessons and is now ready to “turn the page” and enter a new phase of development.
The Jammu and Kashmir CM 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, Abdullah thanked the Union Government for allocating Rs 300 crore towards the expansion of airports, acknowledging that connectivity remains a challenge. However, he expressed confidence that the future of tourism in J&K is “very bright.”
He also revealed that nine new tourism destinations will soon be opened, working in coordination with the central government, to decongest popular areas and encourage growth in the outer regions of Srinagar.
Abdullah also extended an invitation to the Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to formally inaugurate the iconic Tulip Garden in Srinagar. He mentioned 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 Gajendra Singh Shekhawat endorsed Chaya’s role as a brand ambassador for J&K tourism and pledged full central support to the sector. He described Jammu & Kashmir 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 added that the hotel fraternity stands united in welcoming visitors from across India, assuring safety, warmth, and world-class hospitality in Srinagar and beyond. (news18.com)
