How Will Jammu & Kashmir’s Tourism Sector Thrive with the Allocation of Three Hundred Ninety Crore and New Master Plans on the Horizon?

Published on March 11, 2025

The state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) was poised to witness transformative growth in its tourism sector as a part of the 2025-26 Budget. The Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, announced an ambitious blueprint for the region’s future, underscoring the significance of tourism as a major engine for economic and social development. The budget proposed a massive allocation of INR 390.20 crore to the tourism sector, marking an increase of INR 121.77 crore compared to previous years. This allocation was seen as part of a wider effort to establish J&K as a major hub for tourists, attracting global visitors.

Strategic Developments in the Tourism Sector

The J&K government had identified tourism as a pivotal sector in driving economic growth, alongside infrastructure development and agricultural innovation. As part of this vision, several transformative initiatives were proposed to enhance the tourism appeal of the region. Key to this effort were the development of new master plans for renowned tourist spots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. These plans were aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, improving infrastructure, and ensuring sustainability in these iconic locations, which are already global favorites for travelers seeking both leisure and adventure.

The Chief Minister stated that Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg would benefit from these comprehensive new frameworks, allowing them to preserve their natural beauty while accommodating growing tourist numbers in a responsible manner. This move was designed to create a more structured and sustainable tourism model for these key sites, making them more attractive for both domestic and international visitors.

The Role of Adventure Tourism

In addition to the traditional offerings, the government had put forward plans to expand adventure tourism in Jammu & Kashmir. One of the key highlights was the establishment of the National Water Sports Centre at Dal Lake and Basohli. This facility was expected to provide a boost to water-based recreational activities, offering tourists new avenues for entertainment and adventure. The development of a water park in Dwara Village near Sidra Golf Course, which was to be built under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, was another initiative aimed at diversifying the tourism sector. This project, along with the National Water Sports Centre, was designed to appeal to both domestic and international adventure tourists, adding a new layer to J&K’s growing tourism portfolio.

A Sustainable Future: The Creation of a New Committee

To oversee and ensure the successful implementation of these ambitious initiatives, the government proposed the creation of a dedicated committee comprising experts and industry stakeholders. This committee would be tasked with offering strategic guidance to ensure sustainable tourism growth and the expansion of the hospitality sector. This move was aimed at leveraging expertise and fostering collaboration between government entities, industry professionals, and local communities to create a balanced approach to tourism development.

Skill Development and Infrastructure for Tourism Growth

Beyond the promotion of tourism, the J&K government also emphasized the importance of skill development in fostering a sustainable tourism economy. In this context, the government proposed the establishment of the Jammu & Kashmir Skill & Entrepreneurship University (J&K SEU), which would focus on offering specialized training in tourism, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and traditional crafts. This initiative was part of a broader plan to train one lakh youth through various government schemes, such as PMKVY 4.0, PM Vishwakarma, and others. This structured skill development program aimed to ensure that the local population had the tools to benefit from the expanding tourism industry, thus creating more job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship within the region.

The proposal to revive the Udaan Scheme, which focused on training young people, was another significant development. The inclusion of structured skill development aimed at building a local workforce skilled in tourism and hospitality was seen as essential for creating long-term benefits for the region’s economy and improving the quality of service provided to tourists.

Infrastructure Development and Improved Connectivity

The government’s focus on infrastructure was another significant aspect of the budget. Recognizing that the tourism sector could only thrive if connectivity and accessibility were improved, the budget emphasized the completion of key highways and tunnels to enhance accessibility across J&K. These infrastructural upgrades were aimed at improving connectivity, ensuring that visitors could access various parts of the region more efficiently. Furthermore, the USBRL rail project was fast-tracked, which promised to revolutionize travel within the region and make J&K more accessible to travelers across India and abroad.

In addition to these ongoing projects, the budget also committed to blacktopping 4,000 km of roads during the 2025-26 period. This would significantly improve travel within the state, reducing travel time and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Impact on Global Tourism and Future Prospects

The substantial focus on tourism development in Jammu & Kashmir was expected to have a wide-reaching impact on global tourism. With improvements to infrastructure, new tourism offerings, and a strategic focus on sustainability, J&K was set to become a more competitive player in the global tourism market. As international and domestic travelers increasingly sought eco-friendly and adventure-based tourism, J&K’s initiatives were expected to attract a more diverse range of visitors. The proposed National Water Sports Centre, new adventure tourism offerings, and improved infrastructure were seen as part of a wider strategy to place Jammu & Kashmir on the global tourism map as a leading destination for both leisure and adventure tourism.

As the tourism sector began to flourish, it was anticipated that travelers from all over the world would increasingly be drawn to the region, seeking not just natural beauty but also innovative and sustainable tourism experiences.

J&K’s efforts to revitalize its tourism sector through comprehensive planning, infrastructure development, and skill-building programs were a significant step toward establishing the region as a global tourism hub. The proposed INR 390 crore budget allocation, combined with the creation of new tourist attractions, would undoubtedly transform the region and attract travelers from around the world. The key to success, however, would lie in how well these plans were executed, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage were preserved while facilitating economic growth and job creation.