Govt to develop 9 new tourist destinations
* Skal Intl launches 20th Club in Kashmir
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that tourism in Kashmir is experiencing a difficult year due to multiple terror attacks but hoped that snowfall and new promotional partnerships will have a good winter tourist season.
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of SKÅL Kashmir chapter in Srinagar, Omar said the industry has taken a hit and this year has not been easy for the sector. “Whether we start with the Pahalgam attack or after that Delhi and Nowgam blasts, it has had a very heavy impact on our tourism,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that new partnerships, such as those with SKÅL International, are important to build confidence in the sector. “If institutions like SKÅL come here and form a formal relationship with people of our tourism industry, we should welcome it. The more promotion and marketing, the more people will come,” he said.
Omar said the Government and tour operators have taken steps to improve winter arrivals but stressed that snow remains the single biggest factor. “November was completely dry. We hope Allah will be kind to us and the snow will increase in December. If snow starts, destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Srinagar will benefit,” he said. “The sooner the snow, the sooner our winter tourism season will start. From our side, we have prepared for promotion and other things,” he added.
The Chief Minister pointed out that tourists have not stopped visiting Kashmir altogether, even after the Pahalgam attack. “Families are still coming-maybe not in the quantity we want, but they are coming. When the Chrysanthemum Garden opened, it gave a boost to tourism,” he said.
He added that the industry is now looking towards the festive period. “When the snow falls, more tourists will start coming. Hopefully Christmas and New Year will play a role. Let’s hope so.”
Speaking about the resilience of the people of J&K despite recurring challenges, Omar noted, “We are nothing if not resilient. Yes, there is darkness, but it will not remain forever. Winters last for a few months; after that, snow melts and spring arrives. My desire, my wish, and my effort is that this spring lasts for years.”
Reflecting on the past turbulence in the tourism sector, he said, “We have seen a lot of ups and downs in J&K tourism. Now I want you to see only the upward trend. The relationship between SKÅL and Kashmir Tourism formalised today will benefit both SKÅL and the tourism industry here.”
Mohan NSN, Vice President of Skal International 2026 and President-Elect 2027, said Kashmir “touches hearts” and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to providing global opportunities for tourism professionals.
Sanjeev Mehra, president of Skal International India, noted that the new club reflects the body’s national growth and its mission to establish at least one club in every Indian state and union territory.
Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon, Vice President 1 of Skal International Kashmir, said the club aims to unite tourism professionals in the region to “showcase Kashmir’s timeless heritage and unmatched experiences to the world.”
The office-bearers of the new club include President Zahoor Ahmad Qari, Vice Presidents Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon and Shamim Ahmad Shah, Secretary Ather Yameen Narwari, Treasurer Mir Anwar, Membership Development Officer Tanveer Ahmad Khan, Director of PR, Communications & CSR Irshad Hazari, and Auditor Rahil Patloo.
Skal International India reiterated its commitment to sustainable tourism, strengthening alliances across the Valley, enhancing global visibility, and driving socio-economic progress through tourism excellence. The launch featured Kashmiri cultural performances and networking opportunities, symbolizing unity and a shared vision for the future of the region’s tourism.
Skal International is the world’s largest network of travel and tourism leaders, with more than 14,000 members across 85 countries.
The Managing Director of Mascot Travels, Yasin Tuman said that the launch marked the first time an extension of an international club has opened in Kashmir. He explained that the tourism sector has many organisations, some effective and some not, but this club brings true international stature and a recognised banner to the Valley.
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