Jammu and Kashmir Administration Plans to Establish and Enhance Nine Existing Tourist Attractions
Unleashing Jammu and Kashmir's Hidden Gems:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has declared his government's intention to breathe life into nine untapped tourism destinations across the Union Territory. Embracing optimism, Abdullah expressed hopes that the World Bank will cast aside its traditional reservations against funding projects in the region.
Jump on our WhatsApp channel June-July 2025
Discover the upcoming issue of Outlook Traveller
To drive the resurgence of tourism within the region, Abdullah is rallying the support of tourism stakeholders. He brings attention to the burdensome airfares plaguing travel to and from Kashmir, expressing hope that the upcoming direct train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will alleviate these woes.
"These nine exotic locations, palace of adventure and infrastructure enhancement, are intended to ease the pressure on hotspots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg in the valley and uncover hidden gems in Jammu waiting to be explored.
"Until these destinations establish themselves, the valley, in its current state, is overrun during peak seasons. The instant the tulip garden blooms, Srinagar practically grinds to a halt," the chief minister remarked during a tourism-oriented event on June 16.
World Bank: A Key Catalyst for Transformation
Responding to queries from some of the participants, including K B Kachru, Chairman Emeritus and Consultant to the Radisson Hotel Group, Abdullah revealed that his government has previously earmarked the nine unexplored spots.
"Before we open these destinations to private investment and ventures like yours (Radisson) in the hotel industry and other projects, we need to ensure the locations house necessary amenities – connectivity, electricity, water, etc. That's where the World Bank comes in – the multilateral funding I mentioned earlier.
"The World Bank has agreed to finance the project report preparation. With that underway, we anticipate a more open-minded approach from the World Bank to invest in J&K." The government plans an estimated INR 5,500 crore investment for upgrading the basic infrastructure at these nine locations.
"Once this work commences, we'll extend invitations to forward-thinking entities like the Radisson to invest in luxury hotels and other tourism facilities," Abdullah added.
Upping the Value Game in Jammu and Kashmir
Abdullah disclosed his government's plans to collaborate with tourism bodies and specialists to elevate Jammu and Kashmir above volume-based tourism and move towards a more valuable and premium offering.
"The idea is to improve the overall experience for our esteemed visitors, from hotels to experiences and fostering a 'feel-good' sentiment upon their return."
Recognizing areas where tourism growth has been sluggish, the government acknowledged that the one-crore annual pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi could be diverted to other pilgrimage sites and destinations in Jammu.
"Tourism in Jammu is unique, with culture, history, and the spiritual dimension playing key roles. Geographically diverse, these nine proposed destinations will help reflect different facets of the region's uniqueness."
Boosting Tourist Volume with Connectivity
Exploring the high costs associated with air travel to and from the Kashmir valley, Abdullah revealed that Prime Minister Modi will soon grace the region to launch the Vande Bharat train that will link Jammu and Srinagar, thereby integrating the valley's rail network with the national grid.
"Adding trains to the equation raises some challenges due to the expected surge in tourism volumes. Balancing these increased numbers with our aim to nurture high-value tourism experiences is crucial."
The chief minister pledged his government's attention to electric vehicles and looks forward to introducing a helicopter service to link popular tourist spots, should any interested parties step forward to invest.
"We remain open to the prospect of helicopter services. Until now, we've primarily been offering subsidized services for local people during the winter months to reconnect isolated areas."
On the matter of cable car services, Abdullah emphasized the necessity of caution and selectiveness, ensuring they become sustainable enterprises rather than sink into obscurity.
(With inputs from PTI)
Jammu & Kashmir Stops Trekking; Almost fifty Public Parks Closed Following Pahalgam Terror Attack 🔵🌺🏞️🍎 Srinagar🎄 Pahalgam🌟 Jammu and Kashmir🍦 Jammu⛵️ Gulmarg🍎 Sonamarg🍎 Kokernag Gardens🌞️ Verinag🍩 Bhaderwah🎈 Achabal Gardens
- To elevate the value of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the government plans to partner with tourism bodies and specialists, aiming to improve the overall experience for visitors and foster a "feel-good" sentiment.
- The upcoming direct train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connecting Jammu and Srinagar, is expected to alleviate the burdensome airfares that have long plagued travel to and from Kashmir, driving the resurgence of tourism within the region.
