Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on Wednesday, calling for sustainable and tech-driven adventure tourism amid escalating climate threats.
Addressing operators, professionals, and officials, Abdullah labeled the event a “homecoming” while sharing personal adventure insights that underscore exploration and humility. He spotlighted climate change’s toll on J&K’s tourism, especially Gulmarg, where dwindling snow and retreating glaciers threaten winter sports reliant on natural snowfall.
The CM advocated artificial snow-making, advanced tech, and adaptive strategies to preserve skiing and related activities despite environmental shifts. He stressed distinguishing calculated risks from recklessness in adventure tourism, holding operators accountable for tourist safety as lives are entrusted to them.
Abdullah noted a challenging year for the sector due to disruptions, urging collective recovery through government support for seamless travel. He promoted year-round options like paragliding, hot-air ballooning, and training programs, pledging collaboration with ATOAI to foster innovation, sustainability, and position adventure tourism as J&K’s growth engine.
