Tourism has long been the economic backbone of Jammu and Kashmir, sustaining livelihoods across hospitality, transport, handicrafts and a wide range of allied services. In a region where tourism is not merely an industry but a survival economy, policy decisions — and delays — have consequences that extend far beyond balance sheets. It is in this context that the prolonged delay in constituting the Tourism Advisory Committee, announced with much emphasis in March 2025, is deeply concerning.
The proposal to establish a multi-stakeholder Tourism Advisory Committee was a sound and forward-looking decision. It reflected an understanding that sustainable tourism growth cannot be driven by bureaucracy alone. Expert input, industry experience, market intelligence and ground-level feedback are essential — precisely the role such an advisory body is meant to play. The failure to operationalise this mechanism months after its announcement exposes a troubling gap between stated intent and administrative follow-through.
The real value of a Tourism Advisory Committee lies in its ability to address long-standing structural imbalances in the sector. Tourism infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir remains heavily skewed towards a handful of established destinations, while vast regions rich in natural beauty, heritage and culture remain neglected. An empowered committee, with representation from tourism professionals, subject experts and district administrations, could systematically identify these gaps — from poor road connectivity and inadequate accommodation to lack of basic amenities and weak promotion — and recommend phased, practical solutions.
Every district in Jammu and Kashmir has tourism assets that remain underutilised not because of a lack of appeal, but due to neglect and poor planning. Lesser-known valleys, heritage villages, border areas and pilgrimage circuits offer immense potential. With local administrative inputs and expert guidance, these areas could be developed into viable destinations, easing pressure on overcrowded hotspots and ensuring a more equitable distribution of tourism-driven income.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, has repeatedly spoken about the need to move beyond seasonal, location-centric tourism and develop new destinations. The Tourism Advisory Committee aligns squarely with this vision. It provides a structured platform to convert intent into action — identifying priority regions, planning sustainable infrastructure and balancing growth with environmental sensitivities.
Financial constraints are often cited as a limiting factor, particularly for capital-intensive tourism projects. While these challenges are real, they cannot justify inaction. Phased investments, public-private partnerships and more efficient utilisation of existing resources offer workable solutions. Alarmingly, reports of substantial unutilised funds lying with tourism authorities and directorates in both Jammu and Kashmir point to a deeper governance deficit. Ambitious targets mean little when resources remain idle.
The government’s stated aim of increasing tourism’s contribution to the Gross State Domestic Product from around 7 per cent to 15 per cent is laudable. However, without institutional coordination and timely decision-making, this goal risks remaining aspirational. Unplanned growth, when it does occur, could lead to congestion, environmental stress and declining visitor experience — ultimately harming the very sector it seeks to promote.
The costs of delay are already evident. Every missed tourism season, every stalled infrastructure project and every unrealised destination represents lost income for local communities. In a region where tourism underpins economic stability, such delays weaken livelihoods, deter investors and erode public confidence.
Tourism governance cannot afford to drift. Announcements must now translate into action. Constituting the Tourism Advisory Committee is not a symbolic gesture; it is a foundational step towards coherent, inclusive and sustainable tourism development. Jammu and Kashmir already faces stiff competition from emerging destinations elsewhere. Every missed opportunity only widens that gap. The time to act is now, before vision gives way to stagnation.
