Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to develop nine new tourism destinations under a sustainability-focused mega project. The new tourism initiative, he said, would be anchored in “environmentally responsible development that involves the local community.”
“Tourism, or any industry that does not benefit locals, is an industry that will not survive,” CM Abdullah said while launching the Kashmir Chapter of SKAL International, a global travel and tourism network.
Addressing the inaugural function in Srinagar, the Chief Minister described the philosophy of SKAL International as “deeply resonant with Kashmir’s tourism spirit”.
“If you look at SKAL and you look at tourism in Kashmir, you realise that there are synergies that automatically become apparent. The word SKAL is Nordic, and the translation of those four words is good health, friendship, long life and happiness,” he said.
Omar said the organisation’s founding principles reflect the most basic aspirations of human life, going beyond monetary success. “An organisation whose name comes to symbolise these four important things is not talking about profit or other day-to-day concerns. These are the things we would wish for each other: good health, friendship, long life and happiness,” he added.
The Chief Minister highlighted that SKAL’s philosophy of “business with friends” mirrors the spirit of the tourism fraternity in Jammu and Kashmir. “Here, many of my friends in the industry may be in competition with each other, yet they remain friends. They sit together, dine together, respect each other, and that is exactly what SKAL talks about,” he said.
Speaking about the resilience of the people of J&K despite recurring challenges, he said, “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, CM Abdullah 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 SKAL and Kashmir Tourism formalised today will benefit both SKAL and the tourism industry here.”
The Chief Minister thanked SKAL International and its leadership for choosing Kashmir for the new chapter, expressing hope that this marks the beginning of a lasting, fruitful partnership. “I hope this will be a great start to a new relationship, and that we will get to host such programmes again and again. You came and encouraged us,” he added. (KNO)
