Kashmir set to host its biggest tourism gathering in 30 years

Kashmir is preparing to host its biggest tourism gathering in three decades, as major players and policymakers in the travel industry across India will meet in the Valley for a convention in March, offering a ray of hope to the struggling sector here.

The valley last month grabbed the opportunity to host the annual convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), which was initially expected to take place in China.

More than 500 influential travel, tourism and ticketing players will visit Kashmir to explore the place’s scenic beauty and its rich culture and heritage. The convention usually happens at a global destination.


Kashmir has hosted it seven times, all before 1988. Over 10 tourism players from foreign countries and representatives of various states are also expected to attend the 64th convention of TAAI.

“All decision-makers of the industry will be under one roof, who can chalk out a strategy and help us relaunch Kashmir as a complete international tourist destination,” said Zahoor Qari, chairman of TAAI’s J&K chapter. TAAI chairman Sunil Kumar visited Kashmir on Wednesday to take stock of the preparations.

The meet would be held from March 27 to 30, with an inaugural golf tournament on the banks of Dal Lake and a session in scenic Pahalgam.