Aaqib Khan/Muhammad Suhail
Mumbai, Feb 8 : The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department’s participation in OTM Mumbai 2026, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex here from February 5 to 7, drew wide attention from national and international tourism stakeholders, officials said.
The Union Territory showcased its tourism potential through a dedicated pavilion that recorded heavy footfall over the three-day event. Officials said the participation emerged as one of the prominent highlights of the travel mart, one of Asia’s leading platforms for the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Jammu and Kashmir delegation was led by Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad (JKAS), whose supervision and on-ground engagement were instrumental in coordinating the department’s participation.
Officers from the J&K Tourism office in Mumbai were also present and remained engaged with exhibitors, travel trade professionals, tour operators, and other stakeholders throughout the event.
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Pavilion attracted visitors with its distinct design and branding.
In addition to the main pavilion, J&K Tourism branding was displayed at the International Pavilion, while exclusive lanyard branding further enhanced visibility across the venue. Officials said the extensive branding created strong recall for Jammu and Kashmir among visitors and exhibitors.
The pavilion witnessed interactions with a large number of domestic and international tourism professionals.
According to officials, several international visitors sought information about Jammu and Kashmir’s geography and travel accessibility, indicating growing global interest in the destination.
Multiple meetings were held with travel companies, tour operators, and destination management firms to explore future collaborations.
A key highlight of the pavilion was the use of interactive elements, including trade meetings and a virtual reality (VR) experience that allowed visitors to explore destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The pavilion also featured Kashmiri classical musical instruments and traditional handicrafts such as papier-mâché, adding a cultural dimension to the presentation.
Notably, this was the first time Kashmiri brands were prominently used at OTM Mumbai to promote tourism in the region, an initiative officials said aimed to provide direct exposure to local products and craftsmanship alongside destination marketing.
Co-exhibitors representing Jammu and Kashmir expressed satisfaction over the department’s marketing approach, pavilion design, and the structured engagement with industry stakeholders.
Officials said the response at OTM Mumbai 2026 was encouraging and expressed hope that the outreach would translate into increased tourist arrivals to Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming tourism season.(KNS).
