Gulmarg, June 24, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the under-construction Gulmarg Convention Centre today to review progress and urged officials to expedite the remaining work to make the facility operational at the earliest. The state-of-the-art centre, set to position Gulmarg as a hub for international conferences, conventions, and film screenings, is expected to significantly enhance Kashmir’s tourism and sports tourism sectors, aligning with the government’s vision to establish the region as a global tourism hotspot.
A Game-Changer for Gulmarg’s Tourism
Accompanied by local MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah and senior officials, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assessed the ongoing construction of the Gulmarg Convention Centre, a flagship project aimed at diversifying Kashmir’s tourism offerings. “The convention centre will enable Gulmarg to host international events, from conferences to film screenings, attracting visitors year-round,” Abdullah stated during the inspection. He emphasized the need for swift completion to capitalize on Gulmarg’s status as a premier ski resort and a growing destination for adventure tourism.
The Chief Minister directed officials to address any bottlenecks and ensure the centre is fully operational by early 2026, as initially planned. The facility is designed to complement Gulmarg’s existing attractions, such as the iconic Gulmarg Golf Club and the Gulmarg Gondola, while providing infrastructure for high-profile events that can draw global audiences.
Key Details of the Gulmarg Convention Centre
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Gulmarg Convention Centre |
| Location | Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Inspected By | Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah |
| Purpose | Host international conferences, conventions, film screenings |
| Expected Completion | Early 2026 |
| Objective | Boost tourism, promote Gulmarg as a global tourism and events hub |
| Significance | Enhance sports tourism, adventure tourism, and economic growth in Kashmir |
Tourism as a Conflict-Neutral Economic Driver
The inspection comes amid ongoing efforts to revive Kashmir’s tourism sector, which faced a setback following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been vocal about treating tourism as a conflict-neutral activity, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and fostering peace. His recent initiatives, including cabinet meetings in Pahalgam and Gulmarg, aim to restore confidence among tourists and stakeholders, showcasing Kashmir as a safe and welcoming destination.
During the visit, Abdullah reiterated his call for warm hospitality, echoing sentiments from his recent speech at the Gulmarg Golf Championship 2025 inauguration, where he urged locals to ensure tourists leave with happy memories. “We want visitors to return again and again,” he said, highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism growth.
Community and Economic Impact
The Gulmarg Convention Centre is expected to create significant opportunities for local communities, including job creation for hoteliers, tour operators, and service providers. The facility will complement other tourism initiatives, such as the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, set to take place in Gulmarg from February 22 to 25, which will feature over 1,000 athletes competing in winter sports like alpine skiing and snowboarding. By hosting international events, the centre will further elevate Gulmarg’s global appeal, building on its reputation as India’s winter sports capital.
Social media platforms like X are abuzz with optimism, with posts praising the Chief Minister’s focus on infrastructure development. One user wrote, “#GulmargConventionCentre will put #Kashmir on the global map for conferences and events! Kudos to @OmarAbdullah for pushing #tourism forward.”
A Vision for a Vibrant Kashmir
The Gulmarg Convention Centre is part of a broader strategy to develop Jammu and Kashmir as a year-round tourism destination. Recent efforts, including participation in the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025 and SATTE 2025, have showcased Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage to global audiences. The Chief Minister’s proactive approach, including collaboration with the JSW Group to enhance Gulmarg’s ski slopes, underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and adventure tourism.
As Omar Abdullah drives this transformative project forward, the Gulmarg Convention Centre promises to be a cornerstone of Kashmir’s resurgence as a global tourism hotspot, fostering economic growth, community engagement, and a renewed sense of peace and hospitality.
