‘Govt has drawn important lessons from past’
CM heads to Hubli to cheer J&K team
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asserted that Jammu & Kashmir is poised to emerge as a year-round global tourism destination, backed by renewed confidence, expanded infrastructure and diversified tourism offerings.
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He was addressing a grand promotional event held in New Delhi on Thursday evening, which was graced by the Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with diplomats, travel trade representatives and key stakeholders from the hospitality sector.
Highlighting Jammu & Kashmir’s spiritual richness, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said J&K embraces visitors from across India and around the world. He emphasized that the government is actively working to broaden the tourism canvas beyond traditional destinations.
Omar announced the development of new tourism circuits and the identification of nine emerging destinations aimed at offering fresh experiences to travellers.
Reflecting on recent challenges, the Chief Minister said the government has drawn important lessons from past experiences. “Have lessons been learned from what happened last year. The fact that it took us so long to open many of our closed destinations is indicative of the lessons we have learned,” he remarked, adding that the focus now is firmly on the future and on building a more resilient and responsive tourism ecosystem.
The event was organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Forum under the leadership of noted hotelier Mushtaq Chaya. Honorary Secretary General of the Forum, Wahid Malik, described the gathering as a historic moment in positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a safe and vibrant all-season tourism hotspot.
Chaya termed the present phase as one of “unprecedented progress and development,” assuring visitors of world-class hospitality and improved facilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The event witnessed the presence of Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Tanvir Sadiq and Altaf Ahmad Wani; Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta; ambassadors from several countries; travel association leaders; senior government officials; and prominent tourism stakeholders, making it a landmark occasion in the promotion of Jammu & Kashmir tourism.
Meanwhile, Omar today visited SATTE 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, Delhi and reiterated his Government’s commitment to strengthening Jammu & Kashmir’s position as the country’s premier all-season tourist destination.
At SATTE 2026, the Chief Minister visited the Jammu & Kashmir Pavilion (Hall-1A).
He undertook a guided walkthrough of the pavilion, interacted with tourism stakeholders and leading travel and tour operators, and spoke to media highlighting Jammu & Kashmir’s evolving tourism landscape.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Chief Minister held further detailed interactions with tourism stakeholders in New Delhi, reiterating the Government’s resolve to enhance tourism infrastructure, improve connectivity and promote sustainable tourism across all regions of Jammu & Kashmir.
During his engagement with industry leaders, he emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir today offers a diverse and expanding tourism portfolio – ranging from adventure tourism and rich heritage experiences to pilgrimage circuits and world-class MICE opportunities. He invited travellers and investors alike to discover an open, vibrant Jammu & Kashmir, ready to welcome the world with renewed confidence and warmth. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also toured the exhibition area.
Jammu & Kashmir’s participation at SATTE 2026 featured nearly 70 tourism stakeholders as co-exhibitors, showcasing destinations, services and promotional material highlighting the region’s tourism, heritage, adventure & pilgrimage tourism potential. Live performances by traditional folk musicians added cultural vibrancy to the pavilion and attracted significant visitor interest.
Officers of the Tourism Department shall be engaging with travel trade representatives during the exhibition, with the objective of strengthening tourism promotion and increasing tourist footfall in Jammu & Kashmir.
Meanwhile, As the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team stands on the cusp of being crowned the new Ranji Trophy champions, is heading to Hubli to cheer for the side in the historic final against the Karnataka cricket team.
Jammu and Kashmir are playing their first Ranji Trophy final in 67 years and, at the end of Day 4, stand on the brink of history after a commanding performance. With an overall lead of 477 runs and complete control of the match, J&K are within touching distance of a landmark triumph.
The Chief Minister said the team has made lakhs of people proud with their achievement.
“On our way to Hubli to cheer the J&K cricket team as they play the final of the Ranji Trophy. They’ve already made lakhs of people so very proud by reaching the final. I’m really looking forward to spending the day tomorrow in the stands cheering them on,” Omar posted on X.
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