CM Omar Abdullah Highlights Challenges in Tourism Revival, Pins Hopes on Upcoming Winter Season

Srinagar, Oct 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday acknowledged the challenges faced in reviving tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that the upcoming winter season, marked by snowfall, would help attract visitors and rebuild the sector.

Speaking at an event in Srinagar, CM Omar highlighted the economic slowdown post-April 2025, citing its impact on government spending and key sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, handicrafts, handlooms, agriculture, and horticulture, which were also affected by recent heavy rains and floods.

He noted that changes in GST rates could further reduce state earnings by Rs 900-1000 crore this year, emphasizing that while the situation is financially challenging, it remains a story of optimism and forward-looking efforts rather than gloom.

“Reviving tourism hasn’t been easy. Summer was largely lost, and autumn hasn’t been as promising as we had hoped, particularly for tourists from eastern India,” CM Abdullah said. He also pointed to the difficult year caused by the Pahalgam terror attack, India-Pakistan tensions, and the July-September floods.

The Chief Minister added that efforts are underway to promote tourism internationally and domestically, with teams in Singapore and campaigns targeting major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.

“While we saw lower tourist numbers from West Bengal this year, we are now hoping for a strong winter season. Reports suggest heavier snowfall this year, and we aim to rebuild J&K tourism around the snow,” he said.

CM Omar concluded by reaffirming his commitment, along with industry partners, to overcome the challenges and restore Jammu and Kashmir as a preferred tourist destination.