The Biz Reporter
SRINAGAR, Dec 11: Director Tourism Kashmir, Qamar Sajad, has said that the department will “leave no stone unturned” to strengthen and expand the tourism sector in the Valley, with a special focus on sustainable ecotourism, winter tourism and major promotional events planned for the coming weeks.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event held on International Mountain Day, Sajad said the observance—celebrated globally since the United Nations declared it in 2002—reminds nations of the crucial role mountains play and the responsibility to preserve them. He said a wide range of speakers deliberated on the ecological and economic value of mountains and the need to frame a sustainable ecotourism strategy for Kashmir.
He emphasised that protecting the natural environment was central to tourism growth. “We have to ensure that visitors do not litter or damage vulnerable mountain spaces. Making such regulation binding is essential. We will also undertake plantation drives, including ornamental planting, to preserve the environment because our tourism thrives on it. If we don’t protect it, how can tourism flourish?” he said.
On winter tourism, Sajad said the department was waiting for snowfall before rolling out new initiatives. He noted that heli-skiing had been conducted earlier and future decisions would align with weather conditions. “Once snow falls, you will see the cards coming down one by one. I am optimistic that footfall will increase, and all adventure-related activities—skiing, paragliding and others—will be taken up with full vigour,” he said, assuring stakeholders that the department is committed to boosting arrivals. “We will leave no stone unturned to increase the footfall from our side,” he added.
With Christmas around the corner, the department has planned a seven-day carnival at Gulmarg and one-day carnivals at Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Sajad said snowfall would have enhanced the experience, but the festivities would still go ahead.
He further announced that a major toy convention will be held at SKICC from December 17 to 30, featuring around 200 tour and travel associates from across the country. Dignitaries from the central and UT governments, along with industry stakeholders, are expected to participate in three days of deliberations aimed at widening Kashmir’s tourism prospects.
On concerns regarding climate change and receding glaciers, Sajad said the phenomenon must be viewed in a global context. “It is an international issue. Global warming is not something Kashmir alone is generating. We are part of a larger global family, and we cannot be singled out. What we can do as responsible members, we will certainly do,” he said.
Sajad reiterated that the department’s efforts will continue to focus on both conservation and tourism development, ensuring long-term sustainability for Kashmir’s tourism economy.
