Srinagar, July 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to emerge as India’s model for sustainable tourism, emphasizing that the real success of the tourism sector should not be measured solely by record tourist arrivals but by ensuring that its economic benefits reach every household while preserving the Union Territory’s rich natural environment, cultural heritage and ecological balance.
Addressing the “Ethical Tourism Conclave” organised by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, J&K, the Lieutenant Governor called for a tourism model based on responsibility, sustainability and inclusivity, saying tourism must become a vehicle for balanced economic growth, environmental conservation and social empowerment.
Congratulating the organisers for holding the conclave, LG Sinha described the event as an important initiative towards redefining tourism as a collective moral responsibility. Referring to the conclave’s theme, “Responsible Today, Sustainable Tomorrow, Beneficial for All,” he said it reflects society’s shared responsibility to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir’s priceless natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir has long been recognised as “Paradise on Earth” because of its unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. He stressed that tourism in the region should celebrate this unique identity and that ethical tourism must become the guiding principle for future development.
Highlighting the significant transformation witnessed by the tourism sector in recent years, LG Sinha said the Union Territory has recorded unprecedented tourist arrivals, restored the confidence of domestic and international visitors, attracted fresh investments and generated new employment opportunities. However, he maintained that the real achievement lies in ensuring that the fruits of tourism reach local communities and strengthen social inclusion.
He stressed that responsible tourism should ensure every visitor returns with memorable experiences while natural resources continue to flourish. Calling for greater sensitivity towards the protection of forests, lakes and rivers, the Lieutenant Governor said infrastructure development must always go hand in hand with environmental conservation.
LG Sinha underlined the need for inclusive tourism, stating that Dal Lake boatmen, pony owners, artisans engaged in traditional crafts such as Pashmina and Papier-mâché, and families operating homestays in Gurez, Bangus and other remote destinations must become equal partners in the tourism economy.
He said the benefits of tourism should not remain confined to large businesses alone, adding that every stakeholder deserves dignified income, skill development opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
“Together, let us ensure that prosperity reaches the last village, the last family and the last citizen in the queue,” he said.
Highlighting the concept of “Beneficial to All,” the Lieutenant Governor said tourism will achieve its true purpose only when it transforms the lives of artisans, small entrepreneurs, women and youth by creating dignified employment opportunities and ensuring fair returns for local labour.
Describing sustainable tourism as a partnership between development and environmental protection, LG Sinha said roads, hotels and tourism infrastructure must be developed with minimum ecological impact. He urged stakeholders to make eco-friendly tourism a people’s movement by discouraging single-use plastics, promoting scientific waste management, conserving water and energy resources and respecting wildlife habitats.
Calling upon all stakeholders to convert the conclave’s deliberations into measurable action, the Lieutenant Governor proposed the introduction of eco-friendly certification standards for hotels and homestays, large-scale training programmes to prepare youth as protectors of nature and cultural ambassadors, and wider use of digital platforms to directly connect tourists with local communities.
Expressing confidence in Jammu and Kashmir’s future, LG Sinha said that if local communities and young people combine innovation with cultural sensitivity while balancing development with environmental conservation, Jammu and Kashmir can emerge as a national model of sustainable tourism.
Among those present on the occasion were Chairman of Tourist Trade Interest Guild Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor IUST Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Pandey, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, besides tourism industry representatives, members of the Tourist Trade Interest Guild and several prominent citizens.(KNC)
