Gulmarg’s snow-clad peaks, vibrant floral meadows and spellbinding vistas make it the crown jewel of Kashmir Tourism. In an exclusive chat with BOTT, Tahir Wani, Assistant Director, Tourism Gulmarg, speaks about Gulmarg’s unique offerings and its role in reviving tourism in J&K.
Shreya Shimpi
How has tourism in Gulmarg evolved over the past year?
Tourism in Gulmarg plays a very important role in J&K Tourism. Gulmarg offers unique activities such as winter sports, world-class ski infrastructure and the famous Gondola, which are major highlights for visitors. In the last six months, there were concerns that we might not be able to revive tourism immediately, and that restoring people’s faith in tourism would take some time.
Gulmarg became a catalyst that revived tourist footfall with the arrival of snowfall and commencement of winter games, which was endorsed and authenticated by ‘Khelo India’. The Union Minister addressing the crowd in the heart of Gulmarg served as a strong message that the destination is safe for tourists. Gulmarg has played a significant role not only in its own revival but also in revitalising the entire travel and tourism industry of Jammu and Kashmir.
What were the three major changes that you brought to Gulmarg Tourism?
Firstly, we introduced significant changes in the infrastructure of our offices and the assets of the tourism department, such as hutments, cafeterias, and GICs. Their renovation and restoration were imperative for me. Secondly, the regulation of the trade started with a record-maintenance of service providers through the Database Management System (DMS). With the help of my team and support from the higher authorities, we digitised the records. This move was well appreciated by the Government of India, Ministry of Tourism officials. Thirdly, the resolution of certain long-standing issues, such as the Valley Guide license holders. Some of the license holders, especially youngsters seeking employment, were not permitted to operate in Gulmarg. We could allow them to operate here without disturbing the carrying capacity of Gulmarg, an ecologically fragile area.
Why should travellers choose Gulmarg as their next travel destination?
You visit some places, but there are a few places which visit you back. Gulmarg and J&K at large are places that visit you back, and the memories you create here keep rewinding in your mind. As they say, “It’s not about the place, it’s about the people”. The warmth and hospitality of the people here truly connects tourists to this place. Whether it’s leisure tourism, sports tourism, pilgrimage tourism or adventure tourism, Kashmir offers you everything! It offers a comprehensive and diverse itinerary, making it a unique tourist destination.
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