Jammu & Kashmir Tourism has been honoured with the Eco-Tourism Hotspot Award at the India International Tourism Mart (IITM) being held in Hyderabad, recognising the UT’s strong push toward sustainable and responsible tourism.
The tourism festival, which began on December 4, 2025, features participation from several Indian states and Union Territories, along with international delegations from Malaysia, Nepal, Botswana, and other countries.
Officials said the award acknowledges the eco-friendly initiatives and sustainability-focused practices adopted by the J&K Tourism Department across various destinations. It also reflects the department’s continuous promotional campaigns in major tourism markets over recent months.
The J&K Tourism stall drew significant attention from travel trade professionals and visitors, with special interest in the UT’s offerings in adventure tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and wedding destinations.
The J&K delegation at IITM included Kaisar Ahmad Bhawani, CEO Kishtwar Development Authority; Ahsanul Haq Chishti, CEO Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority; Riyaz Ahmad, General Manager JKTDC; Arif Ahmad Lone, Assistant Director Tourism Jammu; and Sajid Kirmani, Assistant Tourist Officer, along with several travel operators from the UT.
On the sidelines of the event, the delegation held a series of meetings with major tour operator bodies from Hyderabad and other regions. They also facilitated active B2B interactions between tourism stakeholders from J&K and their counterparts from other states.
The meetings included engagements with the Tour Operators Association of Telangana, FTCCI, UFTC, SKAL International, and several top travel companies. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and building a more cohesive, synchronised approach to promote J&K as a premier tourism destination.(KINS)
