Following the Pahalgam attack and the Delhi blast, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday (Nov 29, 2025) said 2025 was not a good year for tourism, but hoped that snowfall would revive the sector and help attract more visitors to the valley.
“This year has not been easy for us in terms of tourism. Be it Pahalgam, Delhi and Nowgam, it has had a huge impact on our tourism,” Abdullah told reporters here on the sidelines of a tourism event.
On April 22, 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terrorist attack at Baisaran Meadows in the popular tourist resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir. On 10 November, a car blast near Red Fort in Delhi killed 15 people, while an accidental blast at Nowgam police station here on 14 November killed 9 people.
“The key to (increasing) footfall is snowfall. We had a totally dry November. We hope God will bless us and we will have good snowfall in December. We think when it snows, places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar will benefit, but it’s up to God. The sooner it snows, the sooner our winter tourism season starts.
Mr. Abdullah said that while tourists were visiting the valley, the numbers were lower.
“Tourists are coming, maybe not in the numbers we would like, but they are coming. When we started the Chrysanthemum Garden, tourism got a boost and when the snow falls, more tourists start coming,” he said.
He expressed hope for an increase in tourists around Christmas and New Year.
The preparations and promotions that the government had to do have been done, the chief minister said. “Promotion is the main thing in tourism. The more promotion and marketing you can do, the more people can come,” he added.
Earlier, the Chief Minister attended the launch of the Kashmir chapter of SKÃL International Club here, a major step towards strengthening global tourism ties and expanding the international reach of the tourism industry.
The initiative is poised to open new avenues for sustainable tourism, international cooperation and long-term growth while integrating Jammu and Kashmir with global tourism networks.
Addressing the function, Mr. Abdullah said that the core values of SKÃL resonate deeply with the ethos of Jammu and Kashmir.
“If you look at SKÃL and look at tourism in Kashmir, you will realize that there are synergies that will automatically manifest themselves. The word SKÃL is Nordic and the translation of these four words is good health, friendship, long life and happiness,” he said.
Highlighting the growing emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism, Mr. Abdullah said tourism must evolve in a way that protects both people and the environment.
“If tourism is not responsible and sustainable, it will not last. The cornerstone of our recent activities has been to make tourism more responsible and sustainable,” he added.
The Chief Minister revealed that the government is preparing the construction of nine new tourist destinations as a mega project with huge investments.
“The basis of this project is sustainability, environmentally responsible development that includes the local community. Tourism or any industry that does not benefit the local people is an industry that will not survive,” he said.
Speaking about the strength of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, despite repeated challenges, Mr. Abdullah said, “We are nothing if not resilient”.
“Yes, it’s dark, but it won’t stay forever. Winters last for a few months, then the snow melts and spring comes. My wish, wish and aspiration is that this spring lasts for years,” he added.
Referring to the past turbulence in the tourism industry, he said that people have seen many ups and downs in tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Now I want you to see only an upward trend. The formalized relationship between SKÃL and Kashmir tourism today will benefit both SKÃL and the tourism industry here,” the chief minister said.
Published – 29 Nov 2025 20:45 IST
