Jammu, 28 March (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said cable cars alone cannot drive tourism growth in the Union Territory’s potential destinations, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach focusing on infrastructure, connectivity and sustainable development.

Abdullah also said the government has not yet found a suitable party to take over and operate the international yoga and wellness centre at Mantalai in Udhampur district, and fresh efforts will be made to outsource the facility.

Replying to a supplementary question raised by National Conference MLA from Karnah, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, on plans to construct a cable car project in his constituency, Abdullah cautioned against the assumption that such an initiative alone would attract a large number of tourists.

He said comparisons are often drawn with Gulmarg, where the gondola has become a major attraction.

“There is a tendency to believe that if a similar facility is installed elsewhere, tourist inflow will automatically follow. This is a misconception,” Abdullah, who also holds tourism portfolio, said.

Citing examples, he pointed out that cable car projects in Srinagar, Jammu and Patnitop have not witnessed footfall comparable to Gulmarg. “There is a clear and significant difference in tourist numbers.” The chief minister emphasised that tourism development requires a comprehensive and area-specific strategy.

Admitting that more could have been done in the past to harness the tourism potential of Karnah, Abdullah said the border region represented by the MLA is exceptionally beautiful, but remains backward and largely unexplored.

“There is no denying the need to significantly promote tourism in remote and underdeveloped areas,” he said, highlighting the region’s strong potential for adventure tourism, including hiking and trekking, in addition to its natural scenic appeal.

Advocating sustainable and inclusive development, he suggested that instead of focusing solely on large hotel infrastructure, efforts should be directed towards promoting homestays at the grassroots level, ensuring direct economic benefits to local communities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar