Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision to reopen 14 tourist destinations across the Union Territory, describing the move as a major relief for the tourism and trade sectors that have faced significant losses in recent months.
KCC&I President Javid Tenga said the Chamber had been consistently urging the government to reopen tourist spots that were closed following the April attack in Pahalgam. The Chamber expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the decision and appreciated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for actively pursuing the reopening of the destinations.
According to the administration’s announcement, eleven tourist spots in the Kashmir Division are being reopened immediately. These include Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian, Astanpora, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Thajwas Glacier, Hung Park in Ganderbal, and Wullar and Watlab in Baramulla.
The Chamber said the reopening would send a strong and reassuring message to visitors from across the country and abroad that Jammu and Kashmir remains a safe and welcoming destination. It added that the decision would significantly aid the recovery of the tourism sector, benefiting hoteliers, houseboat owners, travel and tour operators, shikara operators, tour guides, transporters, handicraft traders and thousands of workers directly and indirectly dependent on tourism for their livelihoods.
KCC&I noted that the revival of tourism is critical to the overall economic health of Jammu and Kashmir, as the sector contributes substantially to employment generation, revenue creation and the promotion of local crafts and horticultural produce.
While terming the reopening a positive beginning, the Chamber urged the administration to reopen all remaining tourist destinations at the earliest to ensure a comprehensive and sustained revival of the sector. It reiterated its commitment to working closely with the administration and stakeholders to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve visitor facilities and promote Jammu and Kashmir as a premier, year-round tourist destination.
