Jammu Needs Strategic Plan to Convert Pilgrims into Extended-Stay Visitors
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to transform religious pilgrims into long-stay tourists within the Jammu region. The senior official chaired a crucial meeting on November 23, 2025, specifically focused on reviewing ongoing works and initiatives undertaken by the Tourism Department to promote and strengthen tourism infrastructure across Jammu.
Reviewing Tourism Department Initiatives
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo conducted a thorough assessment of various programs and projects being implemented by the Tourism Department. The review covered multiple aspects of tourism promotion, with particular attention to how the region can better capitalize on its existing pilgrimage traffic. The meeting took place on November 23, 2025, marking a significant step in the administration's efforts to revitalize Jammu's tourism sector.
From Pilgrimage Destinations to Comprehensive Tourism Hubs
The primary focus of the discussion centered on developing mechanisms to extend the duration of stay for visitors who traditionally come to Jammu for religious purposes. Officials recognized that while the region attracts substantial pilgrimage tourism, there remains untapped potential in converting these short-term visitors into tourists who explore the broader cultural, heritage, and natural attractions of Jammu.
The strategic shift aims to create a more sustainable tourism model that benefits local economies beyond religious seasons. By encouraging pilgrims to extend their stays, the administration hopes to distribute tourism benefits more evenly throughout the year and across different sectors of the hospitality industry.
Building Infrastructure for Extended Tourism
The meeting also addressed the infrastructure requirements necessary to support this strategic transition. Discussions included improvements in accommodation facilities, transportation networks, and the development of complementary tourist attractions that could interest pilgrims beyond their religious obligations.
Tourism Department officials presented their current initiatives and received directives to accelerate efforts in creating a more diversified tourism portfolio for Jammu. The chief secretary stressed the importance of coordinated planning between different government departments to ensure seamless implementation of tourism development projects.
This renewed focus on transforming Jammu's tourism landscape represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation in the region, while simultaneously showcasing the diverse cultural and natural heritage that extends beyond its well-known pilgrimage sites.
