PM Modi Presides Over the Meeting to Review Progress of Tourism Post Pahalgam Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs the meeting on 20th May, 2025 in Delhi to review progress in tourism sector of the country. The meeting comes in the wake of Jammu Kashmir’s Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent lives on 22nd of April, 2025, hindering the growth of tourism in the region.

Attended by senior officials from the Tourism Ministry, including Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Tourism Minister Suresh Gopi, Union Tourism Secretary V. Vidyavathi, and top officials from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

"The Prime Minister chaired a meeting today to review the progress of work in the tourism sector," confirmed a senior official. The discussion extended over an hour, focusing on analyzing the current situation and exploring new strategies to promote tourism across the country.

The meeting addressed broader tourism sector trends and specifically reviewed two flagship schemes of the Tourism Ministry, PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) and the Swadesh Darshan scheme. This meeting turned after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years. The incident has raised concerns about security in popular tourist destinations and prompted a comprehensive review of tourism sector policies and preparedness measures.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat messaged on Twitter following the meeting, stating:

The Chamber of Tourism, Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) has highlighted the significant economic impact on Jammu and Kashmir, reporting an abrupt drop in tourist arrivals that has created an economic void across multiple sectors linked to tourism.

As per news reports, CTTIK has requested Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to announce a comprehensive relief package for the affected region. At a recent meeting, the organization adopted a resolution moved by its president, Raj Kumar Padha, emphasizing that “the tourism industry remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, contributing significantly to employment, trade, and overall economic activity.”

The government is now focusing on addressing tourist safety concerns while implementing measures to restore confidence in India's tourism sector and mitigate the economic impact on affected regions.