SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting to review the development of emerging tourist destinations across the State.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob Farooq, MD JKTDC Shreya Singhal, Director Tourism Jammu, representatives from BISAG-N, and other concerned officials, both in person and through virtual mode.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to initiate site-specific Tourism Development for the identified destinations with focus on Master Plan for each destination. He highlighted the importance of creating dedicated solid and liquid waste management systems to ensure environmentally sustainable tourism. He also underlined the need to have Project Management Unit in place with adequate staff to strengthen institutional mechanism. He expressed satisfaction on the progress made with the World Bank team for multi-lateral funding of the initiative to bring about sustainable development of new tourist destinations. He called upon Tourism Department to furnish the proposals for cabinet approval in earnest.
The Chief Minister further stressed the importance of establishing multi-tiered coordination among tourism authorities, local bodies, line departments and between J&K Government and Government of India to ensure smooth execution of projects as per time lines.
On the occasion, a presentation was given on the tourism potential of emerging destinations and the employment opportunities they could generate for local youth.
The Chief Minister urged the concerned departments to ensure that while developing emerging destinations, a careful balance is maintained between Economy, Ecology, and Equity (the 3E principle).
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Tourism App which would help tourists and all interested to explore J&K tourism destinations, facilities available and host of other relevant information.
Meanwhile, the state government has deputed an official delegation, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to represent the Union Territory at the prestigious IFTM top Resa tourism exhibition in Paris from September 23 to 25, Kashmir Indepth News Service reported.
The IFTM expo takes place every year in Paris at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center and again this year it is going to be held there from Sep 23 to Sep 25, 2025.
IFTM Paris provides valuable opportunities for exhibitors to promote their tourism offerings, gain new clients, and learn about industry trends.
Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, will showcase the region’s tourism potential before an international audience of industry leaders, stakeholders, and investors.
The event is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading travel and tourism trade fairs, offering a global platform for destinations to present their unique attractions.
The delegation also includes Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, and Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta.
According to the official order, the expenditure for the visit will be met by the Tourism Department.
Officials said the participation in IFTM Top Resa will help Jammu and Kashmir highlight its natural beauty, cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and hospitality sector.
“With Europe being a major source market for international tourists, this is a timely opportunity to project J&K as a safe and attractive destination,” a senior Tourism Department officer noted.
The Chief Minister is expected to hold a series of meetings with tour operators, travel agencies, and potential investors during the Paris event. He is also likely to emphasize the government’s renewed focus on infrastructure development, connectivity, and eco-friendly tourism projects in the Valley and other parts of the Union Territory.
Industry experts believe that J&K’s participation in such global forums can play a crucial role in reviving foreign tourist arrivals, which had witnessed a dip in recent years due to security concerns.
