Switzerland to collaborate with J&K on sustainable tourism, vocational training

Drawing parallels between the two regions’ natural beauties and vulnerabilities, Maya Tissafi, Switzerland’s Ambassador to India, on Friday (May 29, 2026), pitched for collaboration with the J&K government in sustainable tourism and vocational training in agriculture and food sectors.

Ms. Tissafi’s statement came after a two-day tour of J&K where she held meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Ms. Tissafi said, “Productive meetings in Srinagar with Mr. Sinha and Mr. Abdullah on the scope for collaboration in Kashmir: from sustainable tourism and vocational training to food processing and agriculture.”

A spokesman of the J&K government said both the sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth.

The touring ambassador highlighted her country’s role in contributing to the region’s development through the private sector, “from tunnels and bridges to hydropower tech and joint research”.

On her visit to Gulmarg, which has natural settings closer to the Alps in Switzerland, Ms. Tissafi referred to the movies Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. “Bollywood made both Switzerland and Gulmarg unforgettable on screen. Seeing Gulmarg for the first time, I could understand why filmmakers keep returning to these valleys. However, beyond the beauty, mountain regions also share common responsibilities - resilience, sustainable tourism and disaster risk reduction,” said Ms. Tissafi.

She announced that Switzerland “will continue to work together in the region, from a Himalayan glaciology collaborative program at the University of Kashmir to cloud research with ETH Zurich”.

A government spokesman said CM Abdullah discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including sustainable tourism, horticulture, and allied sectors. 

“The meeting explored opportunities for the exchange of best practices in sustainable tourism, hospitality, vocational education and training, horticulture, dairying, and eco-friendly food processing,” said the spokesman.

Mr. Abdullah emphasised the importance of adopting best practices in these sectors to further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-economic development and ensure long-term prosperity for its people. He highlighted the government’s vision of integrating innovative and sustainable approaches into regional planning and human development frameworks aimed at creating employment opportunities, enhancing productivity, and improving the overall quality of life, said the spokesman.

Meanwhile, the Swiss Ambassador also praised the local craft of Kashmir. “I also had the opportunity to witness the artistry of Kashmir’s shawl and carpet makers, and it was just as beautiful as the landscape itself,” said Ms. Tissafi.