J&K Chief Minister says focus is on high-spending domestic travelers and sustainable growth, not chasing foreign tourist numbers.
Feb 27, Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the Union Territory is prioritizing high-spending domestic travelers over international tourist numbers to promote value-based and sustainable tourism.
Speaking during his visit to the South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) at the Yashobhoomi Exhibition Centre in Delhi, Abdullah said the administration’s tourism strategy centers on quality, sustainability, and enhanced visitor experience rather than focusing on foreign tourist arrivals.
“I’m not particularly interested in foreign tourists if I can secure a strong share of Indian travelers, who today spend significantly more and are highly aspirational. Our priority is to market Jammu and Kashmir across India and ensure that every visitor returns satisfied, valued, and eager to come back,” he said.
Highlighting the broader roadmap, the chief minister underlined a shift from volume-driven tourism to value-based tourism. He also outlined plans to develop nine new world-class, sustainable destinations in partnership with the Government of India.
Abdullah stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure to support year-round tourism, including improved rail connectivity to Srinagar and expanded airport infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed hope that J&K Tourism’s participation in SATTE 2026 would boost bookings and tourist inflow ahead of the upcoming travel season.
The 33rd edition of SATTE 2026 opened with record participation, bringing together more than 2,000 exhibitors representing over 3,200 brands from more than 60 countries. The event is organized by Informa Markets in India, with participation from nearly all states and Union Territory tourism boards showcasing their destinations and offerings.
