Gulmarg, September 27: The J&K Hoteliers Club, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a vibrant and multi-dimensional celebration in Gulmarg, bringing together the Government, tourism and hospitality industry, environmental organisations, community groups and other key stakeholders. The celebrations showcased Jammu and Kashmir’s rich tourism potential through a series of activities centred on sports, responsible tourism, environmental conservation and community participation, reaffirming the collective commitment to positioning Gulmarg and Jammu & Kashmir as a sustainable and globally recognised tourism destination.
Shri Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, attended the occasion and represented the Government. Shri Farooq Ahmad Shah, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Assembly from Gulmarg, was also present as the Guest of Honour.
The celebrations witnessed the participation of prominent organisations, including the Rotary Club of Kashmir, under the leadership of Dr. Tausif Bhatt, President, Rotary Club of Kashmir, and the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir, represented by Sameer Baktoo, President.
Mr. Nadeem Qadri, Environmental Lawyer and leading Environmentalist, was also present at the occasion. Representatives of Go Green Gulmarg also participated in the celebrations, adding an important environmental and sustainability dimension to the programme.
The Chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg, Chapter Mr. Akib Chaya, along with office-bearers Mr. Murad Kapra, Mr. Naseer Khan, Mr. Jaivd Burza and Mr. Sajad Makai, was also present during the event. Representatives of other tourism and hospitality organisations from Gulmarg also participated in the programme.
Horse Race, Golf Tournament and Cleanliness Drive
The key highlights of the World Tourism Day celebrations included a horse race organised by the J&K Hoteliers Club in collaboration with other participating organisations, showcasing the distinctive equestrian traditions and tourism experiences associated with Gulmarg.
A golf tournament was also organised as part of the celebrations, highlighting Gulmarg’s unique position as a premier golf and leisure destination and bringing together members of the tourism, hospitality and business fraternity in a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Another major component of the celebrations was a cleanliness and environmental awareness drive, reinforcing the importance of maintaining Gulmarg’s pristine natural environment. The initiative conveyed a strong message that tourism development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, cleanliness and responsible visitor practices.
The celebrations provided a platform for government representatives and tourism stakeholders to highlight the importance of sustainable tourism, responsible travel, environmental conservation, improved hospitality standards and greater community participation.
Participants reiterated the need to protect Gulmarg’s natural beauty, ecological character and cultural heritage while simultaneously creating greater opportunities for local communities and strengthening the tourism economy.
The programme was coordinated under the leadership of Shri Alyas Ahmad Naisroo, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, with the active participation of tourism stakeholders and partner organisations.
The J&K Hoteliers Club reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Government, Department of Tourism, Development Authorities and tourism organisations to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a responsible, sustainable and world-class tourism destination.
The World Tourism Day celebrations at Gulmarg brought together tourism, hospitality, sports, environmental conservation and community participation on a common platform, reflecting the collective commitment of the tourism fraternity towards a sustainable and vibrant future for Jammu and Kashmir.
