J&K reaffirming it’s status as “Crown Jewel of Indian Tourism”: Satish Sharma

NEW DELHI : In yet another proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg has been selected for the editor’s choice award in the Most Instagrammeable Category in prestigious India Today Tourism Survey and Awards 2025 event which held on Friday at New Delhi.
Minister for FCS& CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI and Trainings Satish Sharma, received the prestigious award on behalf of J&K Government. He was presented the award from Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
While addressing the gathering, the Minister extended his heartfelt gratitude to India Today group for the honour. He said that he is feeling highly privileged at this prestigious platform.
The Minister exhorted that it is really a proud moment to receive this prestigious award on behalf of J&K government. He asserted that Gulmarg is one of the world famous tourist destinations and has been selected for the editor choice award in the most Instagrammable landscape category.
He said that tourism is not only an industry, but, it is a bridge that connects various cultures. It acts as a catalyst for economic growth and reflection of a region’s rich heritage and natural splendor. He reiterated that J&K is known for its breathtaking landscape, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality and this award is a testament to our growing tourism potential.
The Minister informed that J&K has recorded an unprecedented number of tourists arrival from past two years reaffirming its status as crown jewel of the Indian tourism.
“From the pristine valleys of Kashmir to the spiritual and adventurous landscape of Jammu, our tourism sector is flourishing like never before”, he added.
Satish Sharma said that J&K government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, is keen to promote tourism. He has taken several steps to strengthen the tourism sector in different categories like infrastructure development, border and eco-tourism, cultural heritage tourism, adventure and wellness tourism, film and destination wedding.
He also invited the investors, travel enthusiasts and industrial leaders to explore the endless possibilities of J&K.
The Minister said that J&K has much more potential in tourism sector which needs to be explored and urged for Centre’s necessary support to make J&K a tourism powerhouse.