Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah Opens Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair 2025

Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the Travel & Tourism Fair, TTF Kolkata-2025, India’s oldest and most trusted B2B travel trade exhibition, held at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Kolkata. 

In his speech to industry professionals, dignitaries, and stakeholders, the Chief Minister described TTF Kolkata as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration between Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal, aiming to mutually boost tourism. 

He emphasised that the fair would encourage participants to strengthen cultural and economic links and explore new opportunities for growth. The launch was attended by notable dignitaries, including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Rajkumari Thapa (Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly), MLA Aditya Gole (Soreng-Chakung), Neelu Sharma (Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board), Thailand’s Consul-General Siriporn Tantipanyathep, and Raj Basu, Convenor of the Association for Conservation & Tourism (ACT).

The event also drew enthusiastic participation from tour and travel operators, tourism officials, and media representatives, underscoring the growing significance of the eastern Indian market. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s transformation into an all-year-round, multi-segment tourist destination, with significant improvements in infrastructure, accessibility, and investment-friendly policies.

He invited travellers from West Bengal to rediscover the enchanting beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse experiences of J&K, pointing to the deep emotional and historical connections between the regions. “It is indeed a privilege to be here at TTF Kolkata 2025,” he said. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers for creating this vital platform that promotes tourism across the country. Jammu & Kashmir is proud to participate as a key stakeholder in India’s tourism growth story.”

He elaborated on the province’s development as a year-round tourist destination, highlighting off-beat locations such as Gurez, Bangus, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, Doodhpathri, and Basohli, which now attract visitors seeking unique experiences. 

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of border tourism, mentioning destinations like Uri, Keran, Teetwal, and Suchetgarh, which offer breathtaking views and rich cultural experiences, while also benefiting local communities. “Homestays across Jammu & Kashmir reflect the growing grassroots participation in tourism,” he said. “We are particularly supporting women-led homestays in rural areas such as Kupwara and Ganderbal. This approach is helping us promote inclusive growth while empowering women economically.”

In addition, he drew attention to community involvement, mentioning the rise of homestays, especially those led by women, in rural areas such as Kupwara and Ganderbal, as a means to promote inclusive growth and economic empowerment.

Adventure tourism is flourishing, CM Abdullah noted, with activities including skiing, trekking, alpine lake exploration, and mountaineering gaining popularity. The region’s golf courses in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Jammu are attracting international visitors, including cricketers. Meanwhile, wedding tourism in Srinagar and Gulmarg is on the rise, as high-end celebrations become increasingly common in these scenic settings.

He also highlighted J&K’s resurgence as a favourite filming location, with Bollywood returning to shoot in the Valley and creating new livelihood opportunities. Recent accolades for J&K’s tourism initiatives include the SKOCH Silver Award for the Homestay Programme, multiple national awards under the Ministry of Tourism’s Best Rural Homestay category, and recognition under the ‘Travel for LIFE’ programme. Aru in Pahalgam was also honoured as the Best Tourism Village in the Adventure category.

Looking to the future, the Chief Minister announced J&K’s ambition to become a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination, supported by its natural beauty, cultural wealth, and improved infrastructure. He stressed that sustainable, inclusive tourism remains the core of the region’s strategy. “We are focusing on expanding experiential and niche tourism, ranging from homestays and cultural trails to wellness and rural tourism. Our vision is to make Jammu & Kashmir not just a preferred destination, but a global benchmark for responsible, inclusive, and transformative tourism.”

Finally, the J&K CM warmly invited delegates, investors, and tourism professionals to visit Jammu & Kashmir and experience its vast potential firsthand. He expressed optimism that TTF Kolkata would foster new collaborations and strengthen cultural and economic ties with West Bengal, welcoming travellers from Eastern India with open arms and new opportunities.

The Kolkata Travel & Tourism Fair 2025 runs until July 12, featuring over 500 exhibitors from more than 25 Indian states and 14 countries, with over 5,500 verified trade professionals, making it the largest tourism networking event in eastern India ahead of the upcoming travel season.