Gulmarg to stage sixth national golf tournament

Srinagar: Gulmarg is set to host the sixth edition of a national-level golf tournament this year, with the Tourism Department seeking to strengthen the region’s position as a golf tourism destination and broaden its appeal to visitors.

Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad made the announcement while speaking on World Tourism Day. He said the department would bear the entire cost of the tournament and has incorporated it into its annual events calendar. The tournament is also scheduled to return to Gulmarg next year, he said.

Sajjad said the future of Kashmir’s tourism sector would depend not only on infrastructure and technology but also on the quality of interaction between visitors and those serving them.

He emphasised that courteous behaviour, reliable services and genuine hospitality play a crucial role in shaping a tourist’s experience. According to him, visitors may arrive with a fixed spending plan, but positive experiences and good service can encourage them to extend their spending during their stay.

The Director also cautioned against allowing technology, including artificial intelligence, to replace personal engagement in the tourism sector. He said improving service standards should take precedence over excessive dependence on automated solutions.

Sajjad described tourism as a significant source of employment in Kashmir and said greater attention was needed to how visitors are welcomed, assisted and treated throughout their stay.

He added that the government has prepared a broader strategy to expand tourism activities in the region, with golf identified as one of the sectors receiving particular attention.