Omar Abdullah Sets Sights on Global Golfing Glory for Gulmarg

Gulmarg, june 24,NSR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing Gulmarg as a world-class golf destination. Speaking at the Gulmarg Golf Championship award ceremony, Abdullah emphasized the need for focused attention on golfing infrastructure, international-level tournaments, and tourism-friendly facilities to attract high-spending tourists and promote economic growth.

The Chief Minister highlighted the potential of Gulmarg’s golf course to become a premier destination for golfers worldwide. "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 said.

Abdullah also stressed the importance of creating a holistic experience for tourists, ensuring that they stay in hotels, go sightseeing, and shop, thereby boosting the local economy. He emphasized the need for a tourist-friendly attitude, saying, "We must see every tourist not as a one-time visitor, but as a potential repeat guest. Their satisfaction should be our benchmark.”

The Chief Minister inspected the newly constructed Gulmarg Convention Center, describing it as a "magnificent property” with an auditorium, meeting halls, guest rooms, and dining spaces. He suggested introducing evening leisure options such as cinema screenings, coffee shops, and restaurants to make Gulmarg an "all-encompassing destination.”

Abdullah also announced plans to establish a Jammu and Kashmir Golf Development Authority to manage and maintain all major golf courses across the Union Territory. "We need dedicated synergy and professional upkeep of our greens and fairways. There should be a clear distinction between fairways and roughs,” he added.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a 726-meter ski drag lift at Kongdoori, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹6.84 crore, and the development and beautification of the water body, popularly known as Seven Springs at Kongdoori, with the project costing ₹50 lakh.

Abdullah also flagged off a cyclothon in Gulmarg, encouraging youth participation in sports and promoting eco-friendly tourism across the Valley. He interacted with tourists and enquired about their holiday experience in Kashmir, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah, Javed Riyaz Bedar, Mubarak Gul, and Tanveer Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, and other concerned officials.