Srinagar, July 7: Commissioner Secretary of Tourism, Yasha Mudgal today said that tourist destinations still shut following the Pahalgam attack will be reopened in a phased manner once they are assessed by multiple agencies.Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day National Conference of State Tourism Secretaries at SKICC Srinagar, Mudgal said that while a few destinations have already reopened, the rest will be gradually made accessible.
“Some destinations that were closed after the Pahalgam attack have been opened, and the rest will be reopened in phases,” she said, adding that multiple agencies are involved in the process and an assessment is underway.
She clarified that giving a timeline is beyond her purview but added that tourism directors have been asked to submit a list of three to four priority sites to be considered for early reopening. “We are hoping a few prominent destinations will be cleared soon,” she said.
The tourism secretaries’ conference, held annually by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, was hosted in Srinagar this year instead of its usual venue in New Delhi. It features discussions on national tourism policies, budgets, and best practices among states and union territories. “This conference is an important brainstorming and alignment session where all states and UTs bring forward their vision for tourism and look to integrate it with the Centre’s plans,” Mudgal said.
She also highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir’s hosting of the event sends a strong message that the region is beautiful, welcoming, and ready for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism.
Speaking on the revival of tourism after the Pahalgam attack, Mudgal said there has been a visible improvement in tourist footfall. “Events are happening, tourists are coming back, and even some foreigners have started visiting again,” she said.
