Omar Abdullah inaugurates ‘Hindusthan-2025 Wedding Planners Expo’ at SKICC
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir has immense potential to emerge as the country’s leading destination for luxury weddings. He was speaking after inaugurating the Hindusthan-2025 Wedding Planners Expo, organised by the Indian Chamber of Event Industry (ICEI) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).
The event was attended by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Ali Sadiq, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, ICEI President Rituraj Khanna, Chairperson Gunjan Singhal, prominent hotelier Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, along with leading figures from the Indian event management and hospitality sector.
Highlighting the scope of Destination Wedding Tourism, the Chief Minister said Kashmir’s unparalleled beauty makes it a natural choice for couples seeking exclusive wedding venues. “Wed in Kashmir is not just a tagline, it is a movement that can transform Kashmir’s natural charm into an engine of prosperity, putting the region firmly on the global wedding map,” he remarked.
Omar Abdullah described the Expo as an important platform for local entrepreneurs, artisans, and service providers to showcase their skills and integrate with the growing event industry. He recalled how Kashmir once dominated Bollywood cinema as a preferred location, adding that the government is working to revive its reel-worthy destinations.
Applauding ICEI for selecting Srinagar as the venue, he said the initiative would inspire more event planners to explore the Valley and promote its cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and hospitality infrastructure. He assured that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for investment in wedding tourism and event management, which can play a vital role in economic revival and job creation.
The Chief Minister urged ICEI to collaborate with the J&K Government in promoting Kashmir as a premier wedding destination and to act as brand ambassadors of the region. On the occasion, he also launched ICEI’s magazine Conventions and visited various exhibition stalls, interacting with wedding planners and participants about the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Advisor to CM, both MLAs, and ICEI leaders also addressed the gathering.
