Jammu, February 08 (Scoop News)- chief minister Sh Omer Abdullah convened a meeting regarding J&K budget with important stakeholders from Industries,MSME, Tourism,Agriculture and other sectors at conference hall civil secretariat Jammu on 7th February,2025.The meeting was attended by chief secretary, Sh Atal Dullo,principal secretary finance,Sh. Santosh Vaidya,secretary social welfare Sh Sanjeev Verma,Ms Yasha Mudgal secretary tourism, Vikramjit singh secretary industries and commerce,Sh. Vikas Gupta director tourism jammu,Sh Arun Manhas director Industries and commerce jammu and the stakeholders of the respective sectors.
Raj Kumar Padha president chamber of tourism trade and industries along with Atul Sharma secretary Of the Katra Chamber attended the high level pre budget meeting.
The Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK), under the leadership of its President, Sh. Raj Kumar Padha submitted a comprehensive memorandum to Sh. Omer Abdullah, CM J&K. The memorandum outlines crucial pre-budget recommendations aimed at strengthening tourism, trade, and industry in the Jammu Division, with a focus on economic growth, employment generation, and regional development.
Tourism plays a pivotal role in the economic landscape of Jammu, and to further strengthen its potential, CTTIK recommends a significant allocation of funds for modernizing tourism infrastructure at key destinations such as Vaishno Devi, Patnitop, Sanasar, Bhaderwah, Mansar Lake, and the Chenab River (Reasi). Additionally, the establishment of Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and a state of the art Museum at Katra is proposed to enhance visitor engagement and cultural enrichment. To ensure seamless travel experiences, improvements in road networks, air connectivity, and last-mile transport facilities are essential. Furthermore, developing eco-tourism circuits with sustainable waste management measures at Mansar and Surinsar Lakes will support environmental conservation while boosting tourism.
To amplify tourism’s reach, an increase in budgetary allocations for global and domestic tourism promotion through roadshows, digital campaigns, and influencer marketing is imperative. A major initiative under this plan is the launch of the "Visit Jammu 2025" campaign, which aims to highlight the region’s cultural, spiritual, and adventure tourism offerings. Incentives for wellness tourism, including the promotion of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda treatment centers, will attract a broader audience seeking holistic travel experiences.
Adventure and winter tourism have immense potential, and CTTIK recommends the expansion of adventure sports such as paragliding, skiing, trekking, and camping in Patnitop, Sanasar, Bhaderwah, and the Chenab River region. To encourage private investment in adventure tourism, subsidies should be provided for establishing world-class facilities, ensuring the region remains competitive with other prominent adventure tourism destinations.
From an industrial and trade perspective, ease of doing business is crucial. CTTIK proposes the simplification of GST compliance and tax structures for tourism and hospitality businesses, alongside special incentives for startups in the tourism and allied sectors. To further industrial growth, the development of Special Industrial Parks and Special Hotel Zones is suggested to attract investment. Infrastructure enhancements tailored to support the hospitality sector will ensure better services and increased employment opportunities.
Strengthening logistics and connectivity remains a key priority. Road connectivity enhancements will boost trade and tourism between Jammu and other regions, while investments in cold storage and logistics hubs will support the agriculture and horticulture sectors. Additionally, organizing buyer-seller meets and trade fairs will create stronger linkages between local businesses and national and international investors, fostering greater economic integration.
CTTIK also urges the government to introduce fiscal incentives and policy support to stimulate tourism-related enterprises. The implementation of tax holidays and lower interest loans for tourism-based startups will encourage entrepreneurship and sectoral growth. Furthermore, granting special tourism industry status to hotels and travel agencies will provide critical financial and policy benefits. The extension of MSME benefits to tourism and hospitality businesses, including lower power tariffs and GST reimbursements, will further enhance the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra believes that these recommendations will significantly contribute to the economic development of Jammu by creating employment opportunities and positioning the region as a leading hub for tourism, trade, and industry. The Finance Department has been urged to incorporate these proposals into the upcoming Budget 2025 to drive sustained growth, development, and prosperity in the Jammu Division.
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