Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired the first meeting of the CII Northern Regional Committee on Tourism and Hospitality in Srinagar, focusing on strategic initiatives to position Jammu & Kashmir as a year-round global tourism hub.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmed Shah, and senior Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) officials.
Addressing the gathering, the Dy CM stressed on value-added tourism verticals and the need to shift from seasonal tourism peaks to curated 365-day experiences. “Tourism and Kashmir are inseparable. Every season here offers a unique charm and should be explored fully,” he said.
He called on the CII to collaborate on areas such as handloom and handicrafts promotion, adventure tourism, skill development, and global marketing campaigns to unlock the UT’s full tourism potential.
Highlighting CII’s role in enhancing competitiveness and policy support, the Dy CM said that public-private partnerships (PPPs) must be promoted to develop infrastructure like wellness centers, craft villages, and heritage hotels. He also encouraged live demonstrations, heritage walks, and cultural circuits to showcase the region's rich legacy.
Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani urged the CII to help tap niche markets, promote MICE tourism, and support infrastructure enhancement for sustainable growth. He emphasized positioning J&K as a destination for both leisure and corporate tourism.
MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah pitched adventure sports in Gulmarg and Pahalgam as key attractions, proposing national and international competitions. He also suggested empowering local cooperatives for homestays, guided tours, and artisan markets.
K.B. Kachru, Chairman of the CII Northern Regional Committee, said the decision to hold the first regional meeting in Srinagar was symbolic and strategic, reinforcing CII’s commitment to the region’s development. “Our goal is to drive sustainable practices, policy reform, and private sector synergy,” he said.
Dr. M.A. Alim, Chairman CII J&K, delivered the vote of thanks, affirming that joint initiatives between the J&K government and CII will soon be launched to accelerate tourism growth in the region.