Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 28: To address the alarming decline in tourism and the perceived systematic neglect of the region, a meeting was convened by LEAD, bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders from across Jammu province, here today.
The meeting organized by the LJK Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD), convened by Rajesh Gupta, board member and was chaired by Harinder Gupta, senior board member & convener.
People from diverse sectors, hoteliers, restaurant owners, tourism professionals, industry and real estate experts, as well as handloom and handicrafts specialists, came together to voice their concerns.
In addition, representatives from over 20 organizations participated in the discussion.
These included the Tourist Federation Jammu, Raghunath Bazaar Association, Jammu Association of Tour Operators, Bhaderwah-Patnitop Travel Trade Association, Association of Domestic Tour Operators, Association of Religious Tour Operators Katra, Travel Agents Association of Katra, Katra Media Group, Chamber of Commerce Katra, Hari Market Traders Association, Shri Raghunath Ji Corridor Vikas Council, Jammu Bus Stand Association, Rafting Federation Jammu and the Patnitop Hotel Association.
The meeting pointed out that Jammu province is suffering because of recent terror incidents in Kashmir.
Even though Jammu is completely safe and full of beautiful tourist and pilgrimage spots, visitors are staying away.
Rajesh Gupta said, “Jammu, once a top pilgrimage destination with hidden Himalayan beauty, is being ignored by the Government. Most of funds and attention go to Kashmir, leaving Jammu’s tourism and businesses to struggle. This has hurt hotels, shops, handloom, dry fruits and even real estate stakeholders in the region.”
Harinder Gupta highlighted LEAD’s ongoing efforts through platforms like the LJK store, Arti platform, and the LEAD Mahotsav, emphasizing the overarching concept of a “United UT Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting called for focused promotion of Katra as a safe place and encouraged pilgrims to visit Jammu after the Pahalgam terror incident. It stressed the need to promote the entire Jammu pilgrimage circuit and asked for a relief package for hotels, travel and other affected sectors.
This should include loan waivers, interest relief and salary support due to the drop in tourists.
The group urged the Government to act quickly, spread the message that Jammu is safe and bring tourists back through special offers and schemes.
Among others who attended the meeting included Lt Col Ajat Shatroo Jamwal, Rajeev Gupta, Raman Suri, Sunil Mahajan, Shivang Gupta, Vishal Abrol and Sumant Gupta.
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