For the first time, Jammu and Kashmir will host the National Tourism Secretaries’ Conference, a high-profile two-day event aimed at fostering collaborative tourism strategies and boosting the sector’s development across India. Organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism, the event will take place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on July 7 and 8.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the conference will bring together tourism secretaries and senior officials from all states and Union Territories. The event is expected to significantly enhance Jammu and Kashmir’s profile as a premier travel destination in India.
Top dignitaries, including the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Union Home Secretary, and the Tourism Secretary, are scheduled to attend the conference.
Key topics on the agenda include the upcoming 2025–26 tourism-related budget announcements, strategies for destination development and infrastructure enhancement, progress review of centrally sanctioned projects, and discussions on marketing, promotion, and investment in the tourism sector. Film tourism will also be a prominent area of focus.
A dedicated session for Union Territories is scheduled for July 8, which will see participation from senior-level officials and is expected to be attended by the Union Home Secretary.
In the run-up to the event, Jammu and Kashmir’s Commissioner Secretary for Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations at SKICC. She was accompanied by the Director of Tourism, Kashmir, and the SKICC Director, who briefed her on hospitality, security, and other logistical arrangements.
Speaking on the occasion, Mudgal expressed pride in Jammu and Kashmir being chosen to host the national event. “It’s both a privilege and a responsibility. We are focused on ensuring smooth execution of the conference through meticulous planning and coordination,” she said.
She added that the conference provides a vital platform to highlight Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential, recent advancements, and its alignment with national tourism objectives.
The event marks a milestone for the region as it seeks to position itself as a leading destination for both domestic and international travellers.
