A 30-member strong delegation from the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), led by its President Ravi Gosain, met with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, in Srinagar as part of the “Rubaroo Jammu & Kashmir” campaign
The meeting was aimed at reinforcing confidence in Kashmir’s tourism potential following recent disruptions.
During the interaction, Chief Minister Abdullah welcomed the initiative and thanked IATO for its proactive outreach. He assured the delegation of the state’s full commitment to ensuring the safety and security of tourists and urged the members to convey to their fraternity and clients that Kashmir remains safe and ready to welcome travelers.
Also present at the meeting were Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism, and Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director Tourism – Kashmir. Both officials reiterated the tourism department’s support and collaboration with the travel trade to revive and grow tourist arrivals to the region.
The meeting was part of IATO’s three-day “Rubaroo Jammu & Kashmir” campaign (14–17 June), during which delegates explored various parts of Srinagar and Pahalgam. Sharing his observations, Ravi Gosain noted, “It was important to assess the ground situation and during our three days stay we found the state as safe as any other place. Besides, we have assurances from the highest echelons of the government and that gives us all huge confidence and I am sure tourist flow to the state would be back to normal in times to come.”
“Post Pahalgam incident there were scores of cancellations faced by IATO members both by domestic and foreign tourists. Obviously the sentiment was hit but it is important to restore confidence and revive tourism. The visit is a step in this direction and we are completely satisfied with safety arrangements made by the government” adds Ravi Gosain.
During the meeting, IATO also extended a formal invitation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister to attend the 40th IATO Annual Convention, scheduled in Puri, Odisha, from 22nd to 25th August 2025. The CM accepted the invitation in principle and confirmed that Jammu & Kashmir Tourism will participate with a strong delegation.
The convention is expected to bring together over 1,000 travel industry professionals from across the country, offering a valuable platform to promote Jammu & Kashmir as a leading tourist destination.
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