Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, July 7: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today said tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a strong revival after the setback caused by the Pahalgam attack, crediting coordinated efforts by the Union Territory administration and the Central Government for restoring public confidence and attracting tourists back to the region.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day National Conference of State Tourism Secretaries at SKICC in Srinagar, Shekhawat said, “The way tourism had stopped after the Pahalgam attack, it seems to have revived again—a new life has come into it. The Central Government has sent delegations and held multiple conferences. These Confidence-Building Measures will definitely fructify.”
Click here to watch videO
The Minister expressed optimism that Kashmir’s tourism will soon return to the pace witnessed over the last three years. “Last year in June, I travelled extensively across Kashmir to convey the message that the region is safe. Let us forget what happened and move forward,” he added.
Outlining the objectives of the conference, Shekhawat said Secretaries from across India were invited for two key purposes: to carry back the message of Kashmir’s safety and to collaborate on developing globally competitive tourist destinations.
“The Prime Minister has envisioned at least 50 iconic global-standard destinations across India. This is a step in that direction,” he noted.
He also urged State Secretaries to work in groups of five to brainstorm innovative ideas and prepare a perspective plan. “We want to improve the end-to-end experience for tourists and think out-of-the-box,” he said.
Addressing local concerns, Shekhawat acknowledged issues of road closures and access disruptions during the Amarnath Yatra. “Tourism and travel have been part of this region for years and will continue. But the influx also brings pressure. While the rise in numbers benefits tourism, we must work together to address stress on infrastructure,” he said, citing improved highways and rail connectivity as recent developments.
Earlier in the day, the Minister met former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Zadibal MLA Tanveer Sadiq to discuss a proposal to revamp hamlets in Dal lake. “It is a beneficial proposal, and the region has to take it forward,” he said.
The conference also gave voice to grassroots participants. A tribal woman from Aragam, Bandipora, said, “I think this conference will benefit us. I came with expectations and found that the Minister supported our community. We belong to a backward and suppressed group, and such events help us move forward.”
She added, “There is a severe lack of platforms for our community. I thank the Tourism Department for giving me this chance to speak and showcase our tradition.”
Willow wicker artisan Bashir Ahmad shared his hopes: “I make handmade baskets, laundry bags, and wall hangings—seven different products. I want to show the world what I can do. The Minister gave me a patient hearing and advised me to design new products with global appeal so that the world benefits.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
