Chief Minister meets IATO delegation, discusses steps to boost J&K tourism

Ziraat Times News Desk 

SRINAGAR: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday met a high-level delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) to discuss strategies aimed at revitalizing the tourism sector in the Union Territory.

The meeting, held in Srinagar, focused on collaborative efforts to position Jammu & Kashmir as a premier travel destination in India and abroad. The Chief Minister described the interaction as “part of the government’s sustained efforts to make J&K more accessible, vibrant, and welcoming for travellers.”

“Interacted with a delegation from the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) to discuss ways to boost tourism and position Jammu & Kashmir as a premier travel destination,” Omar Abdullah said after the meeting. “Such engagements reflect our commitment to making J&K more accessible, vibrant, and welcoming for travellers,” he added.

The IATO delegation shared insights on promoting sustainable and high-value tourism in the region, while also flagging areas where coordination between the government and tour operators can be strengthened — including infrastructure upgrades, streamlined permissions, and enhanced safety protocols.

The Chief Minister assured the visiting delegation of the government’s proactive approach in removing bottlenecks and promoting public-private partnerships to boost tourist arrivals. He also underlined the significance of restoring confidence among domestic and international travellers and promoting lesser-known destinations in the UT.

The IATO team welcomed the Chief Minister’s vision and pledged full cooperation in organizing roadshows, digital campaigns, and thematic travel circuits to increase footfall in J&K, which has witnessed a strong tourism rebound in recent years.

The meeting comes at a time when J&K is experiencing record tourist arrivals, and the government is keen to sustain the momentum by engaging with key stakeholders in the industry.