AHMEDABAD, JULY 31:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during his two-day visit to Gujarat for the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) in Gandhinagar, made a strong pitch to revive and boost tourism in the Union Territory, acknowledging the temporary setback caused by the tragic Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
Speaking to reporters in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Abdullah candidly admitted the impact of the April 22 attack — which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including several from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka — on the region’s tourism. Among the victims were Shailesh Kalthia from Surat and the father-son duo Yatish and Smit Parmar from Bhavnagar.
“I am not denying that the Pahalgam terror attack affected our tourism industry. It occurred just as the peak season was beginning, and understandably, visitors left the region overnight,” said Abdullah. However, he was quick to add, “Kashmir is not empty, and we have not come here in despair. Lakhs have visited for the Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Yatras even after the attack.”
Omar Abdullah was in Gujarat leading a strong delegation to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a year-round destination at the TTF — Gujarat’s biggest travel trade event being held from July 31 to August 2 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. The event is hosting over 900 exhibitors and is expected to draw more than 12,500 trade professionals.
In his address at the inaugural ceremony, Abdullah extended a warm invitation to travellers across India to explore the scenic beauty, spiritual heritage, and diverse experiences that Jammu & Kashmir offers. “We want more people to visit our state, not just in summer but throughout the year. Our tourism portfolio spans from adventure and film tourism to pilgrimage, golf, and heritage circuits,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the growing tourism exchange between Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir, while underscoring the government’s commitment to positioning the UT as a vibrant, all-season destination. “We are here to reassure travel trade professionals that J&K continues to be safe, welcoming, and full of opportunities for exploration,” he added.
Omar Abdullah was accompanied by key officials and legislators, including his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani, and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah. The event also saw participation from Mulubhai Bera, Gujarat’s Minister of Tourism, who attended as Guest of Honour. Senior bureaucrats like Dheeraj Gupta (Additional Chief Secretary to CM J&K), Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma (ACS, Tourism J&K), Rajender Kumar (Secretary Tourism, Gujarat), and Prabhav Joshi (Commissioner, Tourism Gujarat) also attended.
The Jammu and Kashmir pavilion at the TTF garnered significant attention for its immersive showcase of off-beat destinations, cultural richness, and eco-tourism opportunities. Over 70 stakeholders from J&K’s tourism sector participated, highlighting the UT’s diverse appeal.
During his visit, Abdullah also held discussions with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to explore avenues for greater inter-state cooperation in tourism, event hosting, and best-practice sharing for inclusive growth.
Even as the memory of the Pahalgam attack remains fresh, Abdullah’s Gujarat outreach signals resilience and confidence in the Union Territory’s ability to bounce back. “Terror cannot define us. Our people and our land offer more than what fear can take away,” he remarked.
As Gujarat solidifies its reputation as a hub for business events and exhibitions, platforms like TTF Ahmedabad provide states like Jammu & Kashmir the visibility and connectivity needed to reignite tourist interest and economic activity in the post-crisis phase.
