New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday delivered a strong message of optimism, declaring that terrorism in the Union Territory is over and the focus has decisively shifted toward tourism, growth, and development. Speaking at a tourism-focused event in Delhi, he said Jammu and Kashmir is ready to move forward with confidence and welcome visitors from across India and the world.
Emphasising that the region does not need a brand ambassador, Abdullah pointed to its unmatched spiritual and cultural significance. He noted that sacred destinations such as the Vaishno Devi Temple and numerous revered shrines already draw millions of pilgrims every year. With such divine heritage, he said, the region’s identity speaks for itself.
Referring to past security challenges, including the Pahalgam terror incident, Abdullah described it as an unfortunate chapter but stressed that lessons have been learned. According to him, Jammu and Kashmir is now ready to turn the page and enter a new phase focused on peace, progress, and opportunity.
The Chief Minister outlined plans to transform Jammu and Kashmir into an all-season tourism destination. Several new tourism circuits have already been launched, with more in the pipeline, aimed at spreading visitor traffic beyond traditional hotspots. He revealed that nine new tourist destinations will soon be opened in coordination with the central government to reduce congestion in popular areas and promote development in the outer regions of Srinagar and beyond.
On infrastructure, Abdullah acknowledged that connectivity remains a challenge but welcomed the Union Government’s allocation of Rs 300 crore for airport expansion. He expressed confidence that these improvements would significantly boost tourist inflow and strengthen the sector’s long-term prospects.
Abdullah also extended an invitation to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to inaugurate the iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, underlining the renewed vibrancy of the region’s tourism calendar.
The event, organised by the Allied Business Forum, brought together policymakers and industry leaders to promote investment and reposition Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, welcoming, and globally competitive destination. Hospitality leaders echoed the Chief Minister’s confidence, describing the current phase as one of stability, progress, and irreversible growth, and reaffirmed their commitment to offering visitors warmth, safety, and world-class experiences.
