The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, January 29, 2025 – The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has announced that after persistent efforts, Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah has approved the participation of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism along with its stakeholders in the upcoming Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai.
In a statement released today, KCCI expressed gratitude towards CM Omar Abdullah for his timely and crucial decision. “Thank you CM Saheb for this appropriate decision,” the statement read. Additionally, KCCI extended thanks to Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, for his role in facilitating this important approval.
The OTM Mumbai event, known as Asia’s largest travel trade show, is scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 1, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre. This approval comes after a significant outcry from tourism stakeholders due to the initial cancellation by the Department of Tourism, which had left many local business representatives in a lurch.
KCCI along with local tourism associations, including TASK, TAAK, KHAROA, UTTA, JKHARA, and others, had convened an urgent meeting to address the fallout, highlighting the potential negative impact on Kashmir’s tourism industry. The Chief Minister’s approval is seen as a reversal of the earlier decision and a move to salvage the promotional opportunity for J&K tourism.
All approved stakeholders have been advised to make their way to Mumbai by tomorrow to participate in the event. This event is crucial for showcasing the region’s unique tourism products, post-Covid experiences, and new initiatives to a wide audience of travel professionals and buyers from across India and around the world.
This decision is expected to not only boost the visibility of J&K’s tourism sector but also aid in networking and business development opportunities at one of the premier travel events in Asia.
However, the move has been warmly welcomed by the local tourism industry, with stakeholders expressing relief and optimism for a successful participation at OTM Mumbai 2025
