CM pitches for technology-led revival of adventure tourism in JK
Unveils curtain raiser of 17th Adventure Tourism Convention
GULMARG: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the government is committed to reviving Kashmir’s adventure tourism potential and ensuring that destinations like Gulmarg regain their past glory as premier skiing hubs.
Speaking at a curtain-raiser function organised by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India at the Convention Centre in Gulmarg, Omar Abdullah, said it is impossible to talk about adventure tourism in India without mentioning Kashmir, which has immense potential for activities such as mountaineering, trekking, rafting, and skiing.
He said Gulmarg had been offering skiing opportunities when very few other destinations did, but expressed concern over the region’s declining prominence in adventure sports.
“There was a time when we had snow here for months, but now even Gulmarg faces dry spells. We must introduce technological interventions such as artificial snow generation, as is done in Europe,” he said, urging officials and stakeholders to explore such measures to sustain skiing and attract tourists throughout the year.
The Chief Minister said efforts are underway to ensure smooth skiing experiences, including improving ski drag facilities and other related infrastructure in the first phase of development. “We should enhance employment opportunities for local stakeholders and make skiing accessible even during the summer months,” he added.
Omar Abdullah also referred to a tourism revival project worth hundreds of crores aimed at strengthening the sector and restoring confidence among tour operators and allied businesses.
He stressed the need for collective efforts from the government, private players, and the local community to keep tourism vibrant across all seasons.
Reiterating his recent remarks made in Pahalgam, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of hospitality in sustaining tourism.
“We must ensure that our tourists return with happiness and fond memories—that will be our true success,” he said.
Expressing optimism despite current challenges, he said, “People may be disappointed today, but the smiles will return, tourism will bounce back, and everything will be fine.”
Commenting on the closure of certain tourist destinations, Omar Abdullah said the government’s role is limited to developing and maintaining infrastructure, while decisions regarding the closure or reopening of destinations lie beyond its mandate.
He said the situation at present is far better than what the region has witnessed in the past and stressed that tourist spots should be reopened to restore normalcy and boost visitor inflow.
The event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, Director Tourism and Managing Director JKCCC Syed Qamar Sajad, CEO Gulmarg Development Authority Tariq Hussein, Chairman ATOAI Ajeet Bajaj, Head J&K Chapter ATOAI Rauf Tramboo, senior tourism officials, ATOAI members and other stakeholders.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to ATOAI and its leadership for choosing Srinagar as the venue for its 17th Annual Convention, terming it a strong vote of confidence in favour of Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism.
The Chief Minister further suggested exploring summer skiing on higher-altitude slopes where snow persists, urging the Tourism Department to examine feasibility and make optimal use of existing infrastructure with minor adaptations.
Underlining the broader vision behind partnering with ATOAI, he said the convention provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from best practices across the country while showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s immense but under-utilised adventure tourism potential. With the right blend of local strengths and national expertise, he expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir could emerge as India’s foremost adventure tourism destination.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated that the true measure of success in tourism lies not merely in attracting visitors once, but in inspiring them to return repeatedly. He called for a responsible, visitor-friendly approach that ensures memorable experiences and sustained goodwill.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said infrastructure development and tourism promotion would continue unabated.
He concluded by expressing hope that the forthcoming ATOAI Annual Convention would be successful and mutually beneficial, strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s standing on the national and global adventure tourism map.
