Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has assured tourism stakeholders that he will seek financial support and loan relief from the Centre to help revive the region’s struggling tourism sector following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, most of them tourists.
At a high-level meeting with tourism industry representatives, Abdullah pledged to raise the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. “We will approach this in a structured and result-oriented manner,” he said.
Senior officials including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, and Director of Tourism Raja Yaqoob were also present.
“I understand the challenges many of you are grappling with, be it managing establishments, retaining employees, or dealing with fixed overheads. Many among you are under pressure due to bank loans,” Abdullah told the gathering. He particularly highlighted the concerns of small-scale entrepreneurs who had recently taken loans for tourist vehicles or home-based guest accommodations.
“In this regard, I plan to engage with the Tourism Department and relevant authorities to advocate for a dedicated relief package from the Government of India,” he added.
Abdullah also proposed that financial support should extend to residents in border areas whose homes and shops have been damaged due to ongoing conflict. “For the tourism sector, we will explore the possibility of loan deferments for at least two quarters, which would provide temporary relief and reduce financial stress on stakeholders,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive recovery plan, to be developed in collaboration with the Tourism Department after the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. “This is my suggestion for your consideration that we thoughtfully shape and finalise this plan without undue haste,” he said.
He also proposed that the revival plan include not only hotels and guesthouses, but also houseboats, shikaras, taxis, and artisans. Ideas such as themed shopping festivals inspired by Dubai’s retail events and cultural performances were discussed.
“We should also consider engaging artists for cultural performances, restarting the laser fountain shows, and introducing other attractions to enhance the tourist experience,” Abdullah said.
Despite the recent attack, he expressed optimism about the sector’s future. “I have been receiving calls from individuals and organisations eager to promote Jammu and Kashmir and bring back tourists in large numbers,” he noted, adding that he would personally take part in upcoming promotional campaigns once the situation stabilises.
