JAMMU — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said all tourist destinations currently closed in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to reopen by May, as the government continues efforts to revive tourism following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
Winding up the discussion on Demands for Grants in the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said his government worked “step by step” to restore confidence in the tourism sector after the April 22, Pahalgam attack, at a time when many believed visitors would stay away from the Union Territory for years.
He said the administration engaged extensively with tourism stakeholders, gradually reopened destinations and rebuilt activity despite restrictions at several key locations.
The chief minister also announced plans to develop nine new tourist destinations under a centrally funded scheme to further diversify the sector, adding that their names would be released in phases and that Jammu would get its fair share.
Highlighting infrastructure gaps, Abdullah said visitors often point out the lack of basic facilities such as toilets at popular destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, assuring that the government is working to address these shortcomings.
He stressed that attracting tourists is not enough, and that repeat visits are the true benchmark of a sustainable tourism industry. Abdullah said hotels in Gulmarg and Sonamarg are currently operating at full capacity, while Srinagar is witnessing significant tourist footfall, reflecting a steady revival of the sector,
The chief minister said discussions have been held with the Centre regarding reopening of remaining destinations and expressed confidence that all would be accessible by May.
On Jammu-specific projects, Abdullah said works such as Jammu Lake and the Jammu Riverfront are nearing completion, adding that plans are underway to extend the Riverfront further to enhance the city’s appeal.
He said the government aims to develop at least one tourist destination in every region by building infrastructure, promoting sites and expanding tourism into remote areas, particularly in Jammu, which already receives over one crore pilgrims annually at Vaishno Devi.
“If even 10 per cent of these pilgrims can be retained for longer stays, it could transform Jammu’s economy,” he said, adding that the government is promoting border tourism, pilgrimage tourism, golf tourism and destinations such as Bhaderwah.
Abdullah also noted that Kashmir is no longer just a summer destination, with winter tourism gaining momentum in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and new attractions like the Tulip Garden and Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood helping extend the tourist season into traditionally lean months. — (PTI)