Srinagar, Sep 18 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the newly inaugurated Gulmarg Convention Centre must become a driver of Kashmir’s tourism and business economy, stressing that it should host global gatherings and recreational events rather than remain underutilized like the Pahalgam Club.
CM Omar told reporters in Gulmarg as per news agrncy JKNS that the centre was a long-awaited necessity for Gulmarg and should be marketed aggressively. He said the government was exploring ways to link it with SKICC, enabling both facilities to be promoted together as a premium package for international conferences, exhibitions, and tourism-related events.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Gulmarg could aspire to attract regular high-profile meetings, similar to global business summits. “We should target at least two to four major events annually that bring in participants from across the world,” he said.
Highlighting the absence of winter evening activities for tourists, Omar suggested the convention centre could house coffee shops, restaurants, and digital cinema to diversify its use and boost revenue. He added that weddings, conferences, and recreational events should also form part of its calendar.
Warning against neglect, Omar said facilities like the Pahalgam Club had declined due to lack of use and maintenance, and Gulmarg must not suffer the same fate. (JKNS)
