Director says ‘our presence matters’, eyes bigger foreign tourist footfall
Srinagar, Nov 04: Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is showcasing the region’s natural treasures and diverse tourism potential at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, aiming to attract a larger number of foreign visitors and strengthen its presence in the international tourism market.
Speaking exclusively to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad said showcasing the region’s tourism potential at international platforms is essential to attract visitors from foreign countries.
“We are exhibiting the potential of Jammu and Kashmir. It is necessary to showcase the treasures and natural beauty of the region. Unless we exhibit our potential, how can we expect tourism from foreign countries?” he said.
He said Kashmir has unique potential to offer diverse tourism experiences, including adventure and winter tourism, besides its natural attractions.
“We have enough breathing space for different types of activities which are generally not found together under one umbrella. Kashmir and Jammu regions have unique potential, including religious tourism,” he said.
Sajjad said the participation was aimed at making the international tourism community aware of Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse offerings, adding that global visibility was important for boosting tourist arrivals.
“It has been impressed upon them that there is a place called Jammu and Kashmir which needs to be explored. This is absolutely going to boost tourism, as our presence matters,” he said.
He said foreign tourist arrivals in Kashmir have continued despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, expressing hope that participation in international tourism events would further increase the number of overseas visitors.
Pertinently, the Indian Pavilion at the event was inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the presence of Advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad.
Several tourism stakeholders from the region are also participating in the event, providing an opportunity to engage with international tour operators, travel professionals and industry representatives, while exploring avenues for collaboration and expanding the region’s presence in the global tourism market.
World Travel Market London is a major global marketplace for travel professionals to explore destinations, discover business opportunities and establish partnerships in the international tourism industry. (KNO)
