Grand Reopening Plans
Jammu and Kashmir's tourism landscape is poised for a dramatic comeback, as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has made a firm commitment to reopening all tourist
destinations within the next three months. This announcement follows the recent reopening of 14 key sites by the Central government, which were previously inaccessible after a terror attack in Pahalgam last year. While many locations are already welcoming visitors, Abdullah acknowledged that certain sensitive spots still require further discussion and clearance with the Central government. He confidently assured the legislative assembly that by May 2026, every single tourist destination across the Union Territory will be fully operational and open to the public, marking a complete revival of the sector.
New Tourist Frontiers
Beyond the reopening of existing attractions, the Chief Minister also revealed ambitious plans for expanding Jammu and Kashmir's tourism offerings. A total of nine new tourist spots are set to be unveiled across the Union Territory under a Centrally sponsored scheme. This initiative aims to diversify the tourist experience and attract visitors to previously unexplored regions. Abdullah confirmed that both the Kashmir and Jammu provinces will benefit from these new additions, ensuring a balanced development of tourism infrastructure throughout J&K. This expansion is a testament to the government's proactive approach in revitalizing the region's economy through tourism.
Tourism Resilience Demonstrated
Abdullah highlighted the remarkable resilience of Jammu and Kashmir's tourism industry, particularly in the face of adversity. He recalled that industry stakeholders had predicted a severe downturn, with tourism remaining stagnant for two to three years post the Pahalgam attack. However, he pointed to the current occupancy rates in popular destinations like Gulmarg and Sonmarg, which are reportedly full, and Srinagar, which is experiencing 30-40% tourism, as evidence of the sector's strong recovery. This success has been achieved despite the fact that many popular destinations were initially closed, forcing the administration to guide tourists towards accessible areas while assuring them of the region's overall safety and appeal.
Past Challenges Overcome
The Chief Minister elaborated on the strategic approach taken to manage tourism during the period of closures. He explained that the administration had to carefully communicate which areas were accessible to visitors. For instance, while tourists could visit Kashmir, access to specific spots like Doodhpathri and Yusmarg was restricted. Similarly, even within accessible areas like Gulmarg, visitors were guided to stay within designated zones, such as around the gondola and specific dhabas, to ensure their safety and manage operations effectively. Despite these limitations, the government successfully fostered a gradual and steady revival of tourism, demonstrating effective crisis management and strategic planning.
