Srinagar, July 10 -- Calling tourism without sustainability an "unqualified disaster", Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir must gradually shift from a volume-driven tourism model to a value-based tourism economy to ensure long-term growth and environmental protection.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Conclave on Sustainable Tourism Planning at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Omar said the future of tourism depends on planned development, environmental conservation and meaningful participation of local communities.
He said Jammu and Kashmir has reached a stage where it must decide whether to continue focusing on increasing tourist numbers or generate greater value through susta...