Gulmarg, Sep 27 (KNS): The J&K Hoteliers Club, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), on Sunday celebrated World Tourism Day 2026 in Gulmarg with a series of activities including a horse race, golf tournament and cleanliness drive.

The celebrations brought together government representatives, tourism and hospitality stakeholders, environmental organisations, community groups and other stakeholders, with activities focused on sports, responsible tourism, environmental conservation and community participation.

Advisor to the Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani attended the programme as the government representative, while Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah was present as the Guest of Honour.

Representatives of the Rotary Club of Kashmir, led by its president Dr Tausif Bhatt, and the Ecotourism Association of Kashmir, represented by its president Sameer Baktoo, also participated in the celebrations.

Environmental lawyer and environmentalist Nadeem Qadri, along with representatives of Go Green Gulmarg, were also present, adding an environmental and sustainability focus to the programme.

Chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg Chapter, Akib Chaya, along with office-bearers Murad Kapra, Naseer Khan, Jaivd Burza and Sajad Makai, besides representatives of other tourism and hospitality organisations from Gulmarg, participated in the event.

A horse race was organised by the J&K Hoteliers Club in collaboration with participating organisations, showcasing Gulmarg's equestrian traditions and tourism experiences.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

A golf tournament was also held, highlighting Gulmarg's position as a golf and leisure destination and bringing together members of the tourism, hospitality and business fraternity.

A cleanliness and environmental awareness drive formed another major component of the celebrations, emphasising the importance of protecting Gulmarg's natural environment and promoting responsible visitor practices.

During the programme, participants highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism, responsible travel, environmental conservation, improved hospitality standards and greater community participation.

They also stressed the need to protect Gulmarg's natural beauty, ecological character and cultural heritage while creating greater opportunities for local communities and strengthening the tourism economy.

The programme was coordinated under the leadership of Alyas Ahmad Naisroo, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, with the participation of tourism stakeholders and partner organisations.

The J&K Hoteliers Club reiterated its commitment to working with the government, Department of Tourism, development authorities and tourism organisations to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a responsible, sustainable and world-class tourism destination.

The celebrations brought tourism, hospitality, sports, environmental conservation and community participation together on a common platform, reflecting the tourism fraternity's focus on a sustainable and vibrant future for Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)