Jaipur, May 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department made a significant impression at the recently concluded Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2025, held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This premier travel mart, renowned for its global scale and participation from over 50 countries, served as a powerful platform to promote India’s diverse tourism offerings, with special emphasis on pilgrimage tourism in Katra, the revered gateway to the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
The J&K Pavilion was led by Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism, alongside Owais Mushtaq additional secretary, Sana Khan under secretary and Arif Lone assistant director, who showcased the Union Territory’s immense tourism potential to an international audience. Of particular focus was Katra, a spiritual hub that continues to attract millions of devotees each year and remains one of the cornerstones of J&K’s pilgrimage tourism.
Prominently representing the stakeholders from the region, Raj Kumar Padha, President of the Chamber of Tourism, Trade and Industry Katra, actively championed initiatives aimed at promoting pilgrimage and holistic tourism in and around Katra. The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan; Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Suman Berry, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa Suman Billa and other dignitaries. With participation from over 50 countries, GITB 2025 highlighted India’s growing stature as a vibrant and globally competitive tourism destination. Their presence underscored the increasing importance of collaboration between government bodies, industry leaders, and global buyers in shaping the future of Indian tourism.
