Jammu And Kashmir Eyes Tourism Growth with World Bank Collaborating on Knowledge Partnership

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Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a final meeting today with the World Bank delegation to discuss future plans for developing new tourist destinations in Jammu & Kashmir and promoting the region’s handicrafts sector.

During the conclusion of their four-day visit, the World Bank team presented various recommendations for the proposed projects, based on their observations from visits to multiple tourist spots and handicraft units across Kashmir.

It was mutually decided that the World Bank will serve primarily as a Knowledge Partner in the development of new tourist destinations and the promotion of the handicrafts industry.

The meeting also touched on the need for project funding, with a request to extend the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) by an additional year.

Chief Secretary expressed gratitude to the World Bank team for their visit and the technical expertise they provided, reaffirming the important role the World Bank will play as a Knowledge Partner in both tourism development and handicraft promotion.

The World Bank delegation, while summarizing their visit, reiterated their commitment to sustainability and support for Jammu & Kashmir’s new initiatives aimed at improving the management of tourist locations. They emphasized the need for a strategic vision in tourism development, advocating for the creation of Tourism Destination Spatial Plans to ensure well-organized growth.

Among other discussions, the team highlighted the importance of sustainable indicators, particularly regarding the maintenance and upkeep of tourist resorts. The meeting also addressed the necessity of involving the private sector in investing in tourism infrastructure, streamlining government processes to facilitate business operations, and fostering a clean-green tourism brand.

Senior officials from the World Bank, the Ministry of Tourism (Government of India), and various departments of Jammu & Kashmir, including Finance, Tourism, JKTDC, and Handicrafts & Handloom, attended the meeting.