Gulmarg, September 19, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) at the newly inaugurated Gulmarg Convention Centre, lauding the vital role of travel agents in promoting J&K tourism and assuring them of full government support amid ongoing challenges in the sector. Accompanied by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, the Chief Minister highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to revive tourism, which has been severely impacted by a recent terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent closures of key destinations.In his keynote address, CM Abdullah emphasized the contradiction in promoting tourism while many scenic spots remain inaccessible, stating, “On one hand we promote tourism, but on the other, many destinations remain closed. When half of Kashmir is shut for tourism, promotion becomes meaningless.” He committed to raising the issue directly with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the reopening of closed sites such as those in Pahalgam, Drung, Aru, and Betab Valley to enable comprehensive tourism packages and boost stakeholder recovery. “Whatever happened at Pahalgam shouldn’t have happened, but measures were taken later, and the destinations should have been reopened.
Tourism has suffered, and the government must compensate the affected stakeholders,” he added, speaking to reporters on the sidelines.The Chief Minister congratulated newly elected TAAK President Farooq A. Kuthoo, praising his strong foundation to lead the association forward, and reaffirmed ongoing collaboration similar to that with outgoing President Rauf Tramboo. He expressed optimism for a seasonal revival, noting that autumn and winter could offer recovery opportunities, while urging preparations for a robust spring tourism surge.Marking a milestone, the AGM held the distinction of being the inaugural event at the state-of-the-art Gulmarg Convention Centre, which CM Abdullah described as a landmark addition poised to host future high-profile gatherings by FICCI, CII, and government bodies, while fostering MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities and local employment. “We will always remember that the first programme held at the Gulmarg Convention Centre was the 17th AGM of TAAK,” he remarked, underscoring its historical significance.
During the event, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Ski Hire Shop to be developed by the J&K Cable Car Corporation, further enhancing Gulmarg’s winter tourism infrastructure. He stressed the importance of not just building physical assets but ensuring their effective utilization and maintenance for sustained benefits.The gathering was also addressed by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, prominent hotelier Mushtaq Chaya, outgoing TAAK President Rauf Tramboo, and incoming President Farooq A. Kuthoo. Other dignitaries present included Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; Director Tourism, Kashmir, Raja Farooq Yaqoob; and CEO Gulmarg Development Authority, Tariq Hussain.This engagement reflects the J&K government’s renewed focus on tourism revival post the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident, aiming to restore confidence among stakeholders and position Kashmir as a premier global destination.
