J&K tourism on path of revival: Yasha Mudgal

Srinagar, July 8: Yasha Mudgal, Secretary Tourism Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday said UT is witnessing a strong revival in tourism and is once again emerging as one of the top-choice destinations for travelers from across India.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Tourism Secretaries Conference being held in Srinagar, Mudgal said the high profile event brought together Tourism Secretaries from all states and Union Territories (UTs) for an intensive brainstorming session aimed at boosting India’s tourism landscape.She continued “The Tourism Secretaries Conference is being organized with participation from all states and UTs. It sends a strong message that Jammu and Kashmir is not just a leisure hub, but a preferred destination for all forms of tourism.”The event, supported by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), also saw the participation of the Union Tourism Minister and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. “This is the biggest tourism event of the year for us, and it sets the tone for the season ahead,” Mudgal added.Addressing concerns over a brief decline in tourist arrivals following the Baisaran terrorist attack, she said the situation has normalized and tourist footfall is picking up steadily. “It’s natural to see a slight slump after an incident, but with the efforts of the LG and top government officials, tourists are returning,” she said.The ski resort Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are once again witnessing a surge in arrivals from across the country. “We are on the path of revival and will soon match the tourism figures of last year,” Mudgal asserted.Large-scale events like the Tourism Secretaries Conference will boost confidence among stakeholders and reinforce. The image of Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, vibrant destination. “We aim to organize more such events in the future to further strengthen tourism across the UT,” she said. The conference marks a significant moment for UT tourism, setting in motion fresh collaborations, policy ideas, and renewed energy for the sector’s growth, she laminated.