Omar Abdullah on Kashmir Tourism: No Snow Means No Gulmarg Sales
Omar Abdullah warns climate change reducing snowfall threatens Gulmarg tourism, urges diversification.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday highlighted the impact of climate change on the region’s tourism industry, particularly winter sports in Gulmarg. Speaking at the 17th annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), he stated, “If I don’t have snow, I can’t sell Gulmarg,” emphasizing the decline in snowfall and receding glaciers.
Abdullah warned that climate change is a global phenomenon affecting Kashmir’s winter tourism, which is heavily reliant on consistent snow cover. He urged the industry to confront these realities and prepare for the long-term effects on skiing and other snow-based activities.
To mitigate the impact, the Chief Minister called for diversification of adventure tourism in J&K, aiming to make the region a year-round destination. He encouraged operators to explore artificial snow-making technologies and new adventure experiences, including paragliding, hot-air ballooning, and innovative training programs.
Also Read: Tourism Hit Hard After April Pahalgam Attack, Kashmir Looks to Snow for Recovery
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the tourism sector, Abdullah referred to recent disruptions, including the Pahalgam attack, extreme weather, and the Delhi blast, which had severely affected travel flows. He reassured stakeholders of government support to ensure safe and sustainable tourism experiences.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, the Chief Minister emphasized the value of adventure tourism beyond mountaineering, stating that one can feel the thrill of exploration without summiting Everest. He stressed the importance of integrating J&K into the global growth of adventure tourism responsibly and safely.
The MET Department has forecast snowfall in the higher reaches and rain in the plains of Kashmir between December 21 and 22, providing a glimmer of hope for winter tourism. Abdullah’s address underscores the urgency for both technological adaptation and diversification to safeguard the region’s tourism economy amid changing climatic conditions.
Also Read: Kashmir Police Seize Vehicles in Ownership Transfer Crackdown After Delhi Blast
