Kashmir to host Travel Mart 2026, 20 states to join

March 20, 2026

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is set to host a major tourism and business event, Kashmir Travel Mart 2026, on April 14-15. Around 250 stakeholders, including representatives from over 20 states across the country, are expected to participate in the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.

The Chief Minister’s Office shared that the event will showcase Kashmir’s tourism potential through curated destination tours, craft safaris, and business-to-business (B2B) engagements, offering participants an immersive experience of the region’s culture, heritage, and hospitality.

Focus on boosting tourism sector
The event is being seen as a significant initiative to strengthen tourism linkages and position Kashmir as a leading global travel destination. The government aims to further expand tourism opportunities by improving infrastructure, transport, and ease of travel for visitors.

In 2025, Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 1.77 crore tourist arrivals, including more than 36,000 foreign visitors, reflecting steady growth in the sector.

Tourism rebounds after setback
The tourism industry had faced a major setback following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran area, where 26 people, including 25 tourists, were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. The incident initially led to a drop in tourist arrivals.

However, sustained efforts by the government and strong local support helped restore confidence. A special cabinet meeting held in Pahalgam by the Chief Minister in May 2025 also reinforced the administration’s focus on security and recovery. Since then, tourist footfall has picked up again, signaling resilience in Kashmir’s tourism sector.