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Omar Abdullah Says J&K Tourism Recovering
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that tourism in the Union Territory is showing signs of strong recovery. Speaking during a recent interaction with media, Abdullah said the inflow of domestic and international tourists has picked up pace, giving a much-needed boost to the local economy and small businesses.
According to Abdullah, hotels, houseboats, and travel services across popular destinations such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are witnessing increased bookings this year. He attributed the rise in tourist activity to improved law and order conditions, better infrastructure, and ongoing efforts to promote the region as a safe travel destination.
Political Climate Still a Concern
However, Abdullah also raised concerns over the continuing political uncertainty in the region. He said that while tourism is reviving, it should not be mistaken for normalcy in the broader political and constitutional sense. He urged the central government to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and restore full democratic rights to the people.
He emphasized that the absence of an elected state government since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 has created a disconnect between the people and policymakers. He added that confidence-building among locals and addressing political grievances is equally important for long-term peace and stability.
Employment and Livelihood Boost
The rebound in tourism has provided employment opportunities for thousands of people involved in transport, handicrafts, hospitality, and adventure tourism. Local artisans and traders are also seeing increased footfall in markets, which is essential for sustaining livelihoods in the region. Many tour operators have welcomed the rise in tourist numbers, especially during the current summer season, which is one of the busiest periods for Jammu and Kashmir.
While the numbers are still being consolidated, the government expects 2024 to surpass previous years in tourist arrivals, signaling a positive trend in Jammu and Kashmir’s post-pandemic recovery and integration into the national tourism circuit.
