Gulmarg, Sep 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for immediate joint efforts among tourism stakeholders to revive the struggling tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir. During a meeting on Thursday at the newly inaugurated Gulmarg Convention Centre, he emphasized the critical need for collaboration amid ongoing challenges.
Chief Minister’s Discontent with Tourism Stakeholders
Omar Abdullah expressed sharp frustration with local tourism stakeholders for their lack of support for government initiatives designed to promote the region. He pointed out that their silence during political attacks has put the tourism industry at risk. “Without your backing, we cannot take our tourism initiatives far,” he stated.
Promotional Initiatives and Their Importance
Despite recent efforts by Abdullah’s administration, including a cycling festival in Pahalgam and a promotional campaign following the tragic April 22 terror attack that claimed 26 tourist lives, he felt abandoned. He stated, **”The tourism industry cannot regain its vibrancy unless we unite as a community, both public and private sectors. Collaborative effort is key.”**
Lease Agreements Under Review
In a clear sign of urgency, Abdullah warned stakeholders that lease agreements for hotels in prime tourist destinations—like Jammu, Katra, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Srinagar, and Gulmarg—are set to be reviewed. This move underscores his administration’s commitment to ensure accountability among all parties involved in tourism.
The Role of Effective Communication
Abdullah criticized the *“selective leakage”* of official orders, where only certain directives reach the media, creating a misleading narrative. He noted, **“It’s vital that all stakeholders communicate effectively and transparently to improve the situation.”** This gap in communication has led to misinformation, particularly surrounding a proposed tourism promotion visit to Paris.
Notably, Abdullah expressed dismay that both he and his advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, were not attending the trip. Instead, state representation came from officials and travel associations, highlighting the mischaracterization of the state’s engagement in international tourism promotion.
Importance of Tourism for Jammu and Kashmir’s Economy
Highlighting the historical significance of tourism for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Abdullah made clear that the sector has always relied on both local and external support for growth. **“The people of this region depend on tourism, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture this sector,”** he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks reflect a growing concern among industry experts and local residents alike. Statistics show that **over 60% of the regional economy relies on tourism-related activities**, making this call for joint efforts even more pressing.
A Call to Action for Stakeholders
As the meeting concluded, the Chief Minister encouraged tourism operators, travel agents, and government officials to rethink their roles. Collaborative strategies should be employed to emphasize the region as a leading tourist destination. **“We must embrace our potential together, and work collectively to foster growth,”** he urged. This serves as a vital message for all parties involved as they navigate through challenging economic times.
