Post-Pahalgam: J&K begins safety audit of tourist destinations
The Statesman | 11 July 2025
The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated safety audits of its major tourist destinations following the recent deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Speaking in Kolkata today, chief minister Omar Abdullah announced that once the audit reports are in and selected destinations are deemed safe, those currently closed will be reopened to tourists.
“Ensuring the safety of tourists is the foremost priority of my government,” said Abdullah. He was accompanied by several MLAs, the additional chief secretary, and the director of tourism, Jammu.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest at TTF Kolkata 2025, he highlighted the cultural bond between West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir, noting that Bengal is the second-highest domestic source of tourists for the Union Territory, after Gujarat.
“We are taking tourism revival very seriously, which is why a large delegation of top government officials from Jammu and Kashmir has come to Kolkata. We are hopeful for a significant influx of Bengali tourists during the upcoming Durga Puja holidays. Although 2025 has been our most difficult year following a record-breaking 2024, the situation is gradually improving and tourists are returning,” he said.
Prior to the Pahalgam incident, there were around 50 daily flight arrivals in the region, which dropped to 15. That number has now risen to 20–25 per day. Flights from Kolkata have also resumed recently, and the chief minister expressed hope that more services will follow soon.
“The safety of tourists remains our highest priority. The central government, security forces, and our administration are working in close coordination to ensure such incidents are not repeated. As head of the state, I am travelling across the country to deliver this message. I will also participate in every major travel and tourism fair and roadshow across India in the coming months,” he added.
Mr Abdullah admitted that Jammu and Kashmir had traditionally been a seller’s market in tourism, but the scenario changed drastically following the Pahalgam tragedy.
“We had been considering a shift from volume-based to value-based tourism, especially after the unprecedented tourist footfall earlier this year. But we didn’t anticipate such a sudden decline in visitor numbers. However, we are not here to paint a picture of doom and gloom. We are here with a message of hope, optimism, and renewal,” he said.
He urged potential visitors to speak with recent travellers to Kashmir to get an accurate picture of the post-Pahalgam situation. The Amarnath pilgrimage has witnessed record participation this year, including a large number from West Bengal. Hotel bookings, which had plunged after 22 April, are now picking up steadily.
The chief minister also spoke of the deep historical connection between Bengal and Kashmir. “Our relationship goes beyond tourism—it dates back to 1927, when a Bengali, Sir Albion Rajkumar Banerjee, served as Prime Minister of Kashmir. He resigned two years later for the welfare of the poor.”
“In our most difficult times, the people of West Bengal have stood by us—politically, culturally, and economically. Jammu and Kashmir has something to offer everyone. Please come and visit,” Mr Abdullah urged.
Later in the evening, he met with prominent travel agents and tourism associations of the state at a hotel in Kolkata. Security was heightened for his arrival yesterday evening, and he is scheduled to return to Srinagar tomorrow morning.