JSW Group Chairman and Managing Director Sajjan Jindal announced a series of initiatives on Thursday aimed at transforming Gulmarg, North Kashmir’s renowned ski resort, into a premier global holiday destination.
Jindal’s announcement followed a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) event, PTI reported.
“Had a great meeting with Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. We discussed the development of Gulmarg and its ski slopes to make it a world-class destination for skiing and holidays. The JSW Group will take up various initiatives through the JSW Foundation!” Jindal posted on X.
Located about 50 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg is a major tourist attraction, especially for winter sports enthusiasts. It is set to host the fifth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) from February 22 to 25, 2025, featuring over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories, and sports boards. Competitions will include alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and a demonstration event—snowshoe racing.
Omar Abdullah, who also shared Jindal’s post, highlighted his discussions at the MICE event with industry leaders on unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s untapped potential. He emphasised a vision centered on ecological preservation, cultural heritage, and immersive tourism experiences.
A JK government spokesperson told PTI that Omar’s discussions with industry figures focused on collaboration across various sectors, including sports, fashion, culinary arts, wellness, healthcare, and technology.
Among notable interactions, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj and his team discussed golf tourism and sports infrastructure development. Fashion designer Anita Dongre explored reviving Kashmir’s traditional textiles on global platforms.
Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna examined strategies to elevate Kashmiri cuisine for cultural and culinary tourism. Wellness expert Mickey Mehra suggested integrating wellness tourism with Kashmir’s natural beauty.
Additionally, discussions with tech leaders centered on leveraging digital innovations to boost entrepreneurship and enhance the region’s technological infrastructure.
