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Kashmir Hosts Major Travel Mart 2026 with 20 States, 250 Stakeholders

The Jammu and Kashmir government will host the Kashmir Travel Mart-2026 in April, bringing together around 250 stakeholders from over 20 states. The event is designed to showcase the region's tourism potential through immersive cultural experiences and business engagements. This initiative follows a strong recovery in tourism after a terror attack in April 2025 initially impacted visitor numbers. The sector rebounded with over 1.77 crore tourists in 2025, and the government is now proactively improving infrastructure to welcome even more visitors.

Key Points: Kashmir Travel Mart 2026 Aims to Boost Tourism, 20 States Join

  • 250 stakeholders from 20 states to participate
  • Event on April 14-15, 2026
  • Features craft safaris and B2B engagements
  • Aims to highlight tourism potential post-2025 terror attack
2 min read

Kashmir to host major business event in April; 20 states to participate

J&K to host Kashmir Travel Mart in April 2026, featuring 250 stakeholders from 20 states to promote tourism and cultural heritage.

"A significant initiative aimed at strengthening tourism linkages and further positioning Kashmir as a premier global travel destination. - CMO"

Srinagar, March 20

Around 250 stakeholders, including 20 states, from across the country will participate in the Kashmir Travel Mart-2026 being hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir government on April 14-15, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday.

Office of the Chief Minister said on X, "J&K Tourism is set to host the Kashmir Travel Mart-2026 on 14-15 April, bringing together around 250 stakeholders from over 20 States across the country."

"The event will highlight the region's immense tourism potential through craft safaris, curated destination tours, and B2B engagements, offering stakeholders a rich and immersive experience of Kashmir's culture, heritage, and warm hospitality. A significant initiative aimed at strengthening tourism linkages and further positioning Kashmir as a premier global travel destination," the CMO said.

The resilience of the tourism industry in Kashmir was proved after the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, in which 26 innocent civilians, including 25 tourists and a local pony owner, were killed by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists.

The attack initially jolted the tourism industry, with tourists staying away from the valley. Over a month after the terror attack, CM Omar Abdullah held a special cabinet meeting (May 27, 2025) in Pahalgam, as an effort to reinforce the security situation in the valley. The valley also witnessed widespread condemnation of the attack, which was spontaneous from every part of the union territory.

The relentless effort of the government, together with the undaunted spirit of the locals, brought about immediate recovery as tourists again started thronging the Valley.

More than 1.77 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, underscoring the sustained growth in the sector backed by a structured development roadmap. Last year's visitors included over 36,000 foreign visitors.

Encouraged by the tremendous response, the J&K government expects to receive more tourists this year as more destinations are being opened for visitors, with the government acting proactively to provide better infrastructure, transport, ease of travel and other associated facilities for the people visiting the UT.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Excellent initiative by the J&K government. 1.77 crore tourists last year is a huge number! This travel mart will help create more jobs and boost the local economy. Hope they focus on sustainable tourism so the natural beauty is preserved for future generations.
A
Aman W
While promoting tourism is good, the article rightly reminds us of the security challenges. The Pahalgam attack was horrific. The government must ensure foolproof security for all visitors. Tourists' safety is non-negotiable. That said, Kashmiris have shown incredible courage.
S
Sarah B
Visited Srinagar and Gulmarg last autumn. The hospitality was unmatched. "Craft safaris" sound like a wonderful way to support local artisans. More power to the people of Kashmir. Looking forward to planning another trip!
V
Vikram M
A respectful criticism: I hope this event is not just about optics. The development roadmap must translate into tangible benefits for every Kashmiri, not just hotel owners in Srinagar. Infrastructure in remote areas needs equal attention. Still, a step in the right direction.
K
Kriti O
Heartwarming to see the valley bounce back. The spontaneous condemnation of the terror attack by locals says everything about where their hearts lie. J&K is an integral part of India and its prosperity is our collective responsibility. Best wishes for the Travel Mart!

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