Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) participated in the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue 2026, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, with KCCI Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi highlighting the transformative role of tourism in fostering peace, economic opportunity, cultural preservation, and inclusive growth.
Speaking during a panel discussion on “Tourism as a Bridge: Reimagining Peace & Governance in Kashmir,” Bakshi noted that Srinagar’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2021 and its recognition as a World Crafts City by the World Crafts Council in 2024 were acknowledgements of the city’s rich heritage, craftsmanship, and living cultural traditions. He also drew attention to the globally significant fossil repository at Guryul Ravine in Khonmoh, which contains one of the world’s most complete geological records of the Permian-Triassic extinction event, and observed that Kashmir lost an opportunity for international recognition of the site due to the absence of peace and stability. He sought support from dignitaries including Dr. Shashi Tharoor, DG Tourism, and civil servants in protecting, developing, and promoting the Fossil Park.
Tracing the evolution of Kashmir’s tourism sector, Bakshi recalled that the region attracted around 7.81 lakh tourists, including nearly 87,000 foreign visitors, in 1988 before years of turmoil disrupted growth. He said the sector has witnessed a remarkable revival, with tourist arrivals reaching nearly 30 lakh in 2024. He highlighted that J&K today has 4,622 accommodation units comprising hotels, guest houses, homestays, and houseboats, offering nearly 39,769 rooms and over 79,500 beds. Referring to the rapid growth of homestays, Bakshi said the model has helped democratise tourism by directly connecting visitors with local communities and generating household incomes.
Describing tourism as a social ecosystem rather than merely an economic sector, Bakshi stressed its potential to address youth unemployment, citing official statistics showing an unemployment rate of 32.8 percent among those aged 15 to 29 years. He advocated the promotion of rural tourism, heritage destinations, craft clusters, and eco-tourism circuits to generate employment and strengthen community-based income generation. Emphasising the importance of culture and sustainability in governance, he invoked the teachings of Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Alam (Nund Rishi) as enduring guides for balancing development, human well-being, and ecological preservation.
Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, speaking during the Dialogue, highlighted the immense potential of tourism in a region blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. He described tourism as a powerful bridge for peace, understanding, and economic opportunity, and called for renewed efforts to revive tourism in Kashmir.
Among those present were Dr. Karan Singh, Padma Shri Prof. Shafi Shauq, DG Tourism Suman Billa, Additional Secretary Niteshwar Kumar, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University VC Prof. Siddharth Singh, National School of Drama Director Chittaranjan Tripathy, Festival Chairperson D. Aaliya, Festival Director Ganga Kumar, Vice Chancellors of Central University of Kashmir and University of Kashmir, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Amir, Ms. Idrissa Qadri, senior officials, academics, literary personalities, students, prominent citizens, and youth.
Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue- Tourism bridge for peace, employment & sustainable development: KCCI
