Srinagar, July 8, 2025: Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, expressed his enthusiasm after addressing the concluding session of the two-day National Tourism Secretaries’ Conference held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The minister emphasized the immense tourism potential of India’s Union Territories (UTs), from Ladakh to Lakshadweep, describing them as “tourism powerhouses” that can drive inclusive growth and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.Speaking at the conference, Shekhawat highlighted the government’s focus on developing infrastructure, improving connectivity, promoting skilling initiatives, advancing film tourism, and prioritizing sustainability to unlock the potential of UTs. He underscored that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these efforts aim to position India’s tourism sector as a global leader while fostering economic growth and job creation. The minister urged tourism secretaries from UTs to collaborate on innovative strategies to enhance the end-to-end tourist experience and create a distinct global identity for India’s tourism sector.
Shekhawat also addressed the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which had temporarily disrupted the region’s tourism sector. He noted that coordinated efforts by the Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration have restored public confidence, leading to a strong resurgence in tourist footfall. “Tourism is making a comeback in Kashmir. The efforts by the J&K government, along with central initiatives like sending delegations and organizing conferences, have helped rebuild confidence,” he said, adding that the region’s tourism potential extends beyond its scenic landscapes to its rich cultural and experiential offerings.
The minister emphasised the importance of creating a year-long event calendar to promote culture-driven tourism and highlighted the government’s goal of developing 50 world-class tourist destinations under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD schemes. These initiatives align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, aiming to make India a global tourism hub by enhancing infrastructure and promoting domestic tourism through campaigns like Dekho Apna Desh. Shekhawat also addressed local concerns, such as road closures during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, stating that pilgrimage and tourism have coexisted in the region for years and will continue to do so harmoniously.
The conference, attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and tourism secretaries from across India, focused on collaborative policy-making to boost India’s tourism sector. Shekhawat called for innovative ideas to improve connectivity, skill development, and sustainable practices, ensuring that tourism contributes to employment generation and cultural preservation. He also highlighted the role of film tourism in showcasing India’s diverse landscapes and heritage, urging UTs to leverage this potential to attract international visitors.
As part of the broader vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047, Shekhawat’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to transforming India’s Union Territories into models of sustainable and inclusive tourism growth. The minister’s visit to Srinagar, coupled with his earlier engagements in the region, including discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, reflects a concerted effort to promote the UTs as safe and vibrant destinations for global travellers.
