Says “G 20 Event Was A Landmark Event, Tourism Secretaries Conference In Srinagar A Befitting Response To Terror”
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha this week addressed the Tourism Secretaries’ Meet of Union Territories, held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The occasion was also graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, along with senior officials and experts from the tourism sector across India. The gathering aimed to foster collaboration and share strategies for the development and promotion of tourism in Union Territories, with a special focus on Jammu and Kashmir’s transformative journey in this field.
In his keynote address, Manoj Sinha highlighted the remarkable progress Jammu and Kashmir has achieved over recent years in emerging as a preferred global tourist destination. He traced the region’s development trajectory and emphasized how tourism has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the local economy and improving livelihoods, while also reinforcing peace and stability in the Union Territory. “This conference is more than a routine meeting of tourism officials; it is a powerful and fitting response to the forces of terrorism that have sought to destabilize this region. It reflects Jammu and Kashmir’s determined march towards peace, progress, and prosperity. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir has become an unstoppable force that will continue to flourish and emerge as a beacon of tourism and cultural harmony in the world,” Sinha stated firmly. LG also shared that the transformation witnessed in J&K’s tourism sector has been nothing short of phenomenal. From a region once known primarily for its security challenges, Jammu and Kashmir has successfully rebranded itself as a safe, attractive, and hospitable destination for tourists from across the country and around the globe. “God has truly blessed Jammu and Kashmir with a wealth of natural beauty. This land is adorned with snow-capped peaks that inspire awe, shimmering lakes that invite peace, sprawling apple orchards that paint the landscape in vibrant colors, ancient temples steeped in spirituality, and rolling meadows that invite calm and reflection. Together, these elements create a living canvas that epitomizes natural beauty, spirituality, and peace,” he said.
LG Sinha elaborated on the government’s strategy of strengthening traditional tourism circuits, such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, while simultaneously expanding the horizon of tourism by developing emerging destinations across the Union Territory. This dual approach aims not only to attract more tourists but also to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach every corner of Jammu and Kashmir, uplifting local communities and creating sustainable livelihoods. “The tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. We have taken deliberate steps to ensure that tourism contributes directly to the transformation of lives. The warmth, resilience, and hospitality of the people of J&K are central to this success, making the region a truly fascinating and welcoming destination for travelers,” he said.
A significant highlight of Sinha’s address was the mention of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, which was hosted in Jammu and Kashmir recently. This event marked a defining moment in the history of the Union Territory, helping to position J&K prominently on the global tourism map. “The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting was a landmark occasion. It not only showcased our organizational capabilities but also helped build the brand of Jammu and Kashmir in the international tourism sector. Following this, a series of major national and international events have been held here, which further reinforced J&K’s image as a premier destination for luxury tourism, film shoots, entertainment, and global engagement,” he said. Such international attention has brought unprecedented opportunities to Jammu and Kashmir, attracting investments and creating new avenues for economic development, while fostering cultural exchange and global recognition.
“Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, at the Tourism Secretaries’ Meet in Srinagar, showcased Jammu & Kashmir’s transformation into a leading tourism destination. He unveiled initiatives like SPREAD and the Amarnath ropeway project, emphasizing tourism as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and national integration”.
Sinha also reiterated the administration’s firm commitment to sustainable tourism, which is a critical component of the government’s vision for long-term growth.
To this end, the Strategic Promotion and Revamping of Emerging Alternate Destinations (SPREAD) initiative has been launched to promote lesser-known and emerging tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, thereby reducing environmental pressure on the traditional hotspots and spreading the benefits of tourism more evenly across the region. “Through SPREAD, our aim is to bring nine emerging destinations onto the national and international tourism map. These destinations have the potential to attract high-value tourists who seek unique and offbeat experiences. The initiative is designed to create direct employment opportunities for at least five lakh people in the first year alone, generating economic empowerment in these areas and driving inclusive growth,” he explained.
Among the ambitious development plans shared by LG Sinha was the proposal to establish a two-phase ropeway project for the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine pilgrimage route. This infrastructure project is intended to facilitate access for elderly pilgrims and persons with disabilities (divyangjan), making the pilgrimage safer and more accessible to a wider range of devotees. “The Amarnath Ji Shrine holds immense spiritual significance, and improving access to it is a priority. The ropeway will ease the journey, particularly for the elderly and differently-abled, demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that spiritual tourism flourishes,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
While discussing the bright prospects of the tourism sector, Shri Sinha emphasized that such development is only possible in an environment of peace and security. He acknowledged the crucial role played by the security forces in restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, but also underscored the importance of society’s collective role in maintaining peace. “In Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces have made tremendous sacrifices and played a vital role in ending terrorism. However, the role of society is equally important. Terrorists depend on support and shelter within communities, and it is essential that this support is firmly denied. It is heartening to see ordinary citizens taking a stand against terrorism. Street protests against Pakistan-backed terrorists reflect a growing awareness and collective resolve to eliminate violence and restore permanent peace in the valley.
The entire population of Jammu and Kashmir must unite and ensure that terrorists find no place in this beautiful Union Territory,” Shri Sinha asserted. LG’s address was followed by active participation from the attendees, which included V. Vidyavathi, Union Secretary, Tourism; Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Tourism; Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Tourism; Praveen Kumar Rai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; tourism secretaries from various Union Territories, senior officials from the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, along with panellists and experts in the tourism field. Together, the discussions at the meet focused on formulating strategies to further enhance tourism infrastructure, improve visitor experience, and leverage digital technologies for promotion and management of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and other Union Territories.
Tourism Secretaries’ Meet in Srinagar is part of the broader effort by the central and Union Territory governments to unlock the full potential of tourism as a catalyst for economic revival and social harmony, especially in regions that have faced security challenges in the past. As Jammu and Kashmir continues its journey towards peace, stability, and development, tourism stands out as a shining example of what collective efforts and visionary leadership can achieve. With initiatives like SPREAD, infrastructural projects such as the Amarnath ropeway, and active engagement on the international stage, J&K is rapidly evolving into a model destination that offers natural beauty, spiritual experiences, cultural richness, and a safe environment for all visitors. LG Sinha’s address reinforced the message that Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector is not only an economic asset but also a symbol of resilience, hope, and unity — and with continued dedication, the region’s potential will be fully realized, benefiting generations to come.
