Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on November 29, 2025, that 2025 has been a hard year for tourism due to recent attacks. He mentioned the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26, the Delhi car blast near Red Fort on November 10 killing 15, and an accidental Nowgam police station blast on November 14 that killed 9. "This year has not been easy for us from a tourism point of view. Be it Pahalgam, Delhi, and Nowgam, it has had a huge impact on our tourism," he told reporters. Mr. Abdullah said snowfall is key to increasing tourist visits. "We had a totally dry November. It is hoped that God will bless us and we will have good snowfall in December. When it snows, places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Srinagar will benefit," he added. He acknowledged tourists are still coming but in smaller numbers than desired. "When we started the Chrysanthemum Garden, tourism got a boost, and when it snows, more tourists will start coming." The Chief Minister expects more tourists around Christmas and New Year. He noted the government has completed necessary promotions and preparations. "Promotion is the main thing in tourism. The more promotion and marketing you can do, the more people can come," he said. He was speaking after launching the SKÅL International Club's Kashmir Chapter to build global tourism links. "If you look at SKÅL and you look at tourism in Kashmir, you realise that there are synergies that automatically become apparent," Mr. Abdullah said. SKÅL’s name means good health, friendship, long life, and happiness. He stressed the need for responsible and sustainable tourism to protect people and the environment. "If tourism is not responsible and sustainable, it will not last," he said. Mr. Abdullah also revealed a plan to develop nine new tourism destinations in Jammu and Kashmir with a focus on sustainability and involving local communities. Speaking with hope amid challenges, he said, "We are nothing if not resilient. Yes, there is darkness, but it will not remain forever. Winters last for a few months; after that, the snow melts, and spring arrives. My desire, my wish, and my effort is that this spring lasts for years." He closed by looking forward to growth in tourism. "Now I want you to see only the upward trend. The relationship between SKÅL and Kashmir tourism formalised today will benefit both SKÅL and the tourism industry here."