J&K to Host First-Ever National Tourism Secretaries’ Conference

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Event at SKICC on July 7–8 to Bring Tourism Heads from Across India; Centre Reaffirms Commitment to J&K’s Year-Round Tourism Growth

By TRH News Desk

SRINAGAR, July 5, 2025 – With aims to put Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector back on recovery from the disruptions after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Ministry of Tourism will host the first-ever National Tourism Secretaries’ Conference in the Union Territory on July 7–8 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

The high-level gathering will see participation from Tourism Secretaries and Department Heads of all Indian States and Union Territories, with senior officials including the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Union Home Secretary, and Secretary, Ministry of Tourism expected to attend.

This comes as the UT’s tourism sector works to rebound from recent disruptions, including the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which cast a temporary shadow over the peak tourist season. The attack had led to heightened security across major tourist circuits, triggering concerns among stakeholders.

The upcoming event, however, is being seen as a strong reaffirmation of the Centre’s commitment to not only secure but strategically grow the region’s tourism potential.

The conference will deliberate on tourism budget priorities for FY 2025–26, destination development, sanctioned project reviews, investment promotion, marketing strategies, and the expansion of film tourism. A special session for Union Territories is scheduled for July 8, with the Union Home Secretary expected to participate, highlighting a dedicated focus on UT-specific tourism challenges and opportunities.

Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, on Saturday conducted a detailed review of preparations at SKICC, alongside Director Tourism Kashmir and Director SKICC. Speaking to reporters, she said: “This is a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir. Hosting tourism leaders from across the country is both an opportunity and a responsibility. We are committed to ensuring immaculate arrangements and seamless coordination.”

She added that the conference offers a unique platform to “showcase J&K’s tourism potential, infrastructure growth, and alignment with national tourism goals.”

The event comes at a time when J&K is emerging as a year-round destination, thanks to recent infrastructure upgrades, enhanced air and road connectivity, and increased investment in eco-tourism and adventure tourism.

Despite temporary setbacks, tourism footfall in the region remains strong. In 2024, J&K recorded over 2 crore tourist arrivals, including a sharp rise in international visitors, following the resumption of direct chartered flights.

Officials hope that the scenic setting of Srinagar will offer delegates first-hand experience of the region’s natural charm and hospitality, while also reinforcing confidence in the Union Territory’s security, preparedness, and investment readiness in the tourism space.

This historic conference marks a major milestone in J&K’s repositioning as not only a tourist paradise but also a national hub for tourism policy dialogue and innovation.

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