CM for stronger partnership with travel fraternity to promote J&K tourism

Mumbai, Jan 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday addressed leading stakeholders from the travel and trade sector in Mumbai, calling upon them to partner with the government in promoting Jammu & Kashmir as a safe, vibrant and all-season tourism destination.
Addressing travel agents, tour operators and representatives of travel associations from Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Chief Minister underlined that the outreach was not about selling the destination, but about strengthening trust and partnership.
“Today I have not come to promote Jammu and Kashmir tourism. I have not come to sell J&K as a tourist destination amongst you. Today I have not come to talk about the beauty of J&K. As much as I know about the beauty of Kashmir, you also know it,” the Chief Minister said, while stressing the long-standing bond between Jammu & Kashmir and the travel fraternity of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Addressing travel agents, tour operators and representatives of travel associations from Maharashtra and Gujarat, the Chief Minister emphasized the vital role played by Maharashtra in supporting and strengthening J&K’s tourism sector over the years. He particularly acknowledged the solidarity and continued support extended by Maharashtra-based travel agencies in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack last year, noting that their confidence helped restore tourist inflow and trust in the destination.
“Maharashtra has always been one of the strongest source markets for Jammu & Kashmir tourism. The support shown by the travel fraternity, especially during challenging times, reflects a deep and enduring partnership,” the Chief Minister said.
The event, organised as part of the Maharashtra and Gujarat Travel Fraternity Outreach in Mumbai, also witnessed the felicitation of prominent travel agents and associations for their contribution towards promoting Jammu & Kashmir tourism. The Chief Minister highlighted the diverse tourism offerings of the region, including leisure, adventure, pilgrimage and wellness tourism, and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring safety, infrastructure development and a tourist-friendly environment.
The outreach programme was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Member of Parliament Gurinder Singh Shammi; MLA Gulmarg Peerzada Farooq Ahmed Shah; Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta; and heads and representatives of major travel bodies from Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The interaction provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration and renewed commitment to position Jammu & Kashmir as a preferred destination for domestic and international tourists alike.