Jammu Tawi, Nov. 29 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to develop nine new tourism destinations under a sustainability-focused mega project. The new tourism initiative, he said, would be anchored in "environmentally responsible development that involves the local community."

"Tourism, or any industry that does not benefit locals, is an industry that will not survive," CM Abdullah said while launching the Kashmir Chapter of SKAL International, a global travel and tourism network.

Addressing the inaugural function in Srinagar, the Chief Minister, as per the news agency, described the philosophy of SKAL International as "deeply resonant with Kashmir's tourism spirit".

"If you look...