Srinagar, June 21 The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) participated in the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue 2026, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, which brought together policymakers, academics, tourism experts, literary personalities and civil society representatives to deliberate on issues of culture, governance and sustainable development.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the theme “Tourism as a Bridge: Reimagining Peace & Governance in Kashmir,” KCCI Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi , highlighted the transformative role of tourism in fostering peace, economic opportunity, cultural preservation and inclusive growth.
Bakshi noted that Srinagar's inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2021 and its recognition as a World Crafts City by the World Crafts Council in 2024 were acknowledgements of the city's rich heritage, craftsmanship and living cultural traditions. He also drew attention to the globally significant fossil repository at Guryul Ravine in Khonmoh, which contains one of the world's most complete geological records of the Permian-Triassic extinction event. He observed that Kashmir lost an opportunity for international recognition of the site due to the absence of peace and stability.He sought . Tharoor’s , DG Tourism’s and other Civil Servants support in protecting, developing and promoting Fossil Park which had the potential of attracting huge number of domestic/ Foreign Tourists , Researchers and scientists.
Tracing the evolution of Kashmir's tourism sector, Bakshi recalled that the region attracted around 7.81 lakh tourists, including nearly 87,000 foreign visitors, in 1988 before years of turmoil disrupted its growth trajectory. He said the sector has witnessed a remarkable revival, with tourist arrivals reaching nearly 30 lakh in 2024, reflecting renewed global interest in Kashmir's natural beauty, culture and hospitality.
He further highlighted the significant expansion of tourism infrastructure, stating that Jammu and Kashmir today has 4,622 accommodation units comprising hotels, guest houses, homestays and houseboats, offering nearly 39,769 rooms and over 79,500 beds. Referring to the rapid growth of homestays, Bakshi said the model has helped democratise tourism by directly connecting visitors with local communities, generating household incomes and promoting cultural exchange at the grassroots level.
Describing tourism as a social ecosystem rather than merely an economic sector, Bakshi stressed its potential to address youth unemployment and create sustainable livelihoods. Citing official statistics showing an unemployment rate of 32.8 percent among those aged 15 to 29 years, he advocated the promotion of rural tourism, heritage destinations, craft clusters and eco-tourism circuits to generate employment, strengthen community-based income generation and support environmental conservation.
Emphasising the importance of culture and sustainability in governance, he invoked the teachings of Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Alam (Nund Rishi), describing them as enduring guides for balancing development, human well-being and ecological preservation. He called for a development model rooted in culture, sustainability and inclusivity, enabling Srinagar to emerge as a model city where heritage and modernity coexist.
Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, speaking during the Dialogue, highlighted the immense potential of tourism in a region blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. He described tourism as a powerful bridge for peace, understanding and economic opportunity, and called for renewed efforts to revive tourism in Kashmir.