Shazia Shah | Kashmir Pen
Srinagar, July 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the conclave titled “Sustainable Tourism Planning: Designing Tourism for Tomorrow” at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, calling for a shift towards a sustainable, scientific and community-focused tourism model across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the future of tourism in the Union Territory must be based on long-term planning, evidence-based policymaking and active participation of local communities. He stressed that sustainable tourism is essential not only for protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile environment but also for ensuring inclusive economic growth and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Omar Abdullah said the government will adopt the 3E framework — Ecology, Equity and Economy — as the guiding principle for planning and developing priority tourist destinations across the Union Territory. He noted that this approach aims to balance environmental conservation, social inclusion and economic development while creating a resilient and responsible tourism sector.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the initiative would lay the foundation for a future-ready tourism industry capable of meeting the challenges of climate change, increasing visitor demand and sustainable destination management, while ensuring long-term benefits for local communities.
The conclave brought together policymakers, tourism experts, planners and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for promoting sustainable tourism development in Jammu and Kashmir | Kashmir Pen
