Gulmarg – In a renewed effort to spotlight Jammu and Kashmir on the global golfing map, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ambitious plan to elevate Gulmarg into a premier golf tourism destination. The announcement came during an award ceremony held as part of the Gulmarg Golf Championship, where hoteliers and golfers were honoured for their contributions. 

 

 

 Gulmarg Golf Course And Resort In Kashmir (Credit- Getty)

 

Holding the Tourism portfolio in addition to his role as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah highlighted the immense potential of the region. “We want to make Gulmarg a world-class golf destination once again. Special attention will be given to golf, golf infrastructure, and tournaments so that Jammu and Kashmir can be marketed as a pre-eminent golfing destination across the globe,” he declared.

 

The Chief Minister emphasized the strategic importance of investing in high-end tourism offerings, noting that golf tourists tend to contribute significantly to the local economy. “These are high-spending tourists who don’t just play golf—they stay in hotels, go sightseeing, and shop. It’s about creating a holistic experience that brings them back year after year,” he said.

 

 

CM Omar Abdullah Vows to make Gulmarg as World Class Golf Destination

 

Reflecting on Gulmarg’s prestigious golfing past, Abdullah recalled how the Gulmarg Golf Course once attracted the nation’s top golfers. “The names of the most iconic professional and amateur golfers still adorn the walls of the Gulmarg Club. Sadly, the decline in the situation led to the neglect. But we are determined to bring it back,” he said.

 

He also praised the role of the local leadership, especially MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah, who played a key role in organizing the championship. The Chief Minister called for a welcoming and service-oriented approach towards tourists, noting, “We must see every tourist not as a one-time visitor, but as a potential repeat guest. Their satisfaction should be our benchmark.”

 

Omar Abdullah underlined the importance of diversified tourism offerings in Gulmarg—from golf and horse riding to skiing and simple leisure activities. He stated that the region must cater to a broad spectrum of tourists seeking varied experiences.

 

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister toured the newly completed Gulmarg Convention Centre. He described the venue as an architectural asset for the town, with its auditorium, meeting spaces, guest accommodations, and dining facilities. He proposed introducing evening entertainment like cinema screenings, coffee lounges, and restaurants to help Gulmarg evolve into a truly all-in-one tourist destination.

 

As part of wider reforms, the Chief Minister announced that the government is considering setting up a dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Golf Development Authority. This body would oversee the management and upkeep of the major golf courses in the Union Territory, including those at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Sidhra in Jammu. “We need dedicated synergy and professional upkeep of our greens and fairways. There should be a clear distinction between fairways and roughs,” he added.

 

Paying tribute to his father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah—an avid golfer and a key figure in developing J&K’s golf infrastructure—Omar Abdullah said he was committed to continuing the legacy by strengthening the sport further.

 

In a significant development, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 726-meter ski drag lift at Kongdoori, an initiative costing approximately INR 6.84 crore. In addition, he inaugurated the beautification project of the scenic Seven Springs water body, budgeted at INR 50 lakh.

 

During his visit to Kongdoori, Abdullah interacted with several tourists, gathering feedback on their experiences in Kashmir. The visitors expressed appreciation for the government’s proactive approach in reviving tourism. Local ponywalas also met the Chief Minister, raising concerns about reopening key tourist areas. He assured them of a phased resolution of their issues.

 

In a symbolic gesture to promote active tourism and environmental awareness, CM Omar flagged off a Cyclothon, encouraging the youth to embrace sports and eco-friendly travel.

 

He was accompanied by key officials including Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah, Javed Riyaz Bedar, Mubarak Gul, and Tanveer Sadiq, along with Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta and officials from the Gulmarg Development Authority and J&K Cable Car Corporation.

 

With renewed political will and infrastructural focus, Gulmarg appears poised for a sporting and tourism renaissance, aiming to reclaim its former glory as one of India’s most iconic golf destinations.