We discuss to develop ski resort Gulmarg as world-class destination: Jindal after meeting CM
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said his government’s top priority is to make the region a global tourism hotspot.
Abdullah made the statement during his visit to the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Pavilion at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025, Asia’s largest travel trade show, being held at the Jio World Convention Centre here.
The event, which runs from January 30 to February 1, has brought together exhibitors and buyers from across the globe, providing a platform for destinations to showcase their unique offerings.
This year, Jammu and Kashmir has made a strong impression with the participation of 120 tourism trade and travel operators, highlighting the region’s unparalleled tourism potential.
From its breathtaking landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, the pavilion showcased why Jammu and Kashmir is a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
The Chief Minister emphasized his government’s unwavering commitment to tourism promotion, and said, “Tourism is a top priority for our government, and we are dedicated to positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a global tourism hotspot.
“Our participation in events like OTM is a step toward achieving this vision,” Abdullah said, interacting with stakeholders, including travel operators, artisans and tourism officials.
He also inquired about the arrangements in place for their participation.
The chief minister also conducted a detailed inspection of the pavilion, appreciating the efforts to present Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse offerings creatively.
He directed the tourism department to ensure maximum outreach by actively engaging in major travel marts across the country and internationally.
Abdullah reiterated that his government is committed to supporting the tourism industry and ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir continues to shine on the global stage.
The stakeholders expressed optimism about forging new collaborations and attracting more visitors to Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Billionaire Chairman and Managing Director of JSW group Sajjan Jindal announced various initiatives to develop the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir as a world-class destination for holidays after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“Had a great meeting with Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. We discussed the development of Gulmarg along with the ski slopes to make it a world class destination for skiing and holidays. The JSW Group will take up various initiatives through the JSW Foundation!” Jindal wrote in a post on X.
Gulmarg, about 50 km from summer capital Srinagar, is the star attraction for tourists visiting Kashmir, especially the winter sports lovers.
It is hosting the fifth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 from February 22 to 25, with over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories and sports boards expected to participate in competitions such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding and a demonstration sport—snowshoe racing.
Abdullah, who also shared Jindal’s post, said he engaged in pivotal discussions with sector leaders at the MICE event to unlock Jammu and Kashmir’s untapped potential.
“…preserving ecology, celebrating heritage and prioritizing immersive experiences over volume. J&K isn’t just heaven on earth—it’s India’s all-season gateway to wonder,” the chief minister wrote in another post shared on X by his office.
A J&K government spokesman said the Wednesday evening discussions between the chief minister and industrial leaders focused on fostering collaborations across diverse sectors, including sports, fashion, culinary arts, wellness, healthcare, and technology.
Among the key interactions, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj and his team discussed promoting golf tourism and sports infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
Anita Dongre and her team explored opportunities to revive Kashmir’s traditional textiles and craftsmanship on global platforms through her label Kashmiri fashion.
Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna and his team deliberated on leveraging Kashmir’s unique cuisine to enhance culinary tourism and cultural exchange, the spokesman said.
Additionally, he said, wellness expert Mickey Mehra highlighted strategies to integrate wellness tourism with Kashmir’s serene landscapes.
Discussions with the health team focused on advancing public health initiatives and preventive care frameworks in the region, he said.
The spokesman said representatives from tech unicorns, a coalition of high-growth startups, explored tech-driven innovations to boost entrepreneurship and strengthen digital infrastructure in J&K.
