Centre To Hold High-Level Tourism Meeting In Pahalgam In Confidence-Building Push
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The meeting, officials say, is intended not only to serve as a roadmap for tourism revival but also send a clear message---Kashmir is safe, open, and ready to welcome the world
In a significant outreach to restore confidence in Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Centre is set to hold a high-level review meeting in the hill town on July 7 and 8. The meet, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, will bring together tourism secretaries from all states, who will pitch proposals to develop one globally iconic tourist destination each.
The initiative follows a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other senior officials discussed strategies to reinvigorate tourism across the country. The Centre has since directed states to identify and submit detailed proposals for key destinations, with a focus on international appeal, local uniqueness, and sustainable infrastructure.
To support the drive, the government has also roped in a panel of tourism and heritage experts to offer technical and professional guidance. While states like Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are already in advanced stages of proposal development, others such as Bihar have requested additional support.
The initiative aligns with the Union Budget 2025's goal of creating 50 iconic tourism sites and complements the recent call by the prime minister during the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting for each state to develop one standout destination capable of drawing global tourists. The government is also exploring plans to host international delegations in J&K as part of its confidence-building efforts.
The choice of Pahalgam for the high-profile meeting is deeply symbolic. Known as the 'Valley of Shepherds', Pahalgam is one of Kashmir's most-visited destinations, famous for its alpine meadows, the Lidder River, and its role as the gateway to the Amarnath Yatra. But the area's reputation as a peaceful tourist haven was shaken on April 22 when terrorists attacked tourists, killing 26 people.
The fallout has been immediate. Tourist arrivals in Pahalgam nosedived from 18,000 in April to just 3,000 in June, ringing alarm bells in the hospitality sector.
To honour those killed in the attack and reassure future visitors, the Jammu & Kashmir administration has discussed plans with the Centre to build a memorial near the site of the incident. The design is currently being finalised, and the structure is expected to be completed within six months. Officials say the memorial will stand as a symbol of resilience and remembrance—a permanent tribute to the lives lost.
Shekhawat, who visited J&K recently, reiterated the Centre's commitment to ensuring safety and rebuilding trust among travellers. The upcoming meeting in Pahalgam, officials say, is intended not only to serve as a strategic roadmap for tourism revival but also to send a clear message: Kashmir is safe, open, and ready to welcome the world.
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