Kashmir July 22: The Union Government on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that over 7.66 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir between 2020 and 2024, highlighting a remarkable revival in the region’s tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic and sustained development efforts.
Responding to a question in the ongoing Parliament session, the Ministry of Tourism stated that the Union Territory witnessed a significant surge in tourist footfall, especially in 2022 and 2023, marking an all-time high in arrivals due to improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and a renewed focus on destination promotion.
Tourism Boom in J&K Post-2020
According to the official data shared by the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir saw a steady rise in visitors year-on-year:
- 2020 – Tourism activity was heavily impacted by the pandemic.
- 2021 – Gradual recovery began with a notable increase in domestic tourists.
- 2022 – The region recorded 1.88 crore tourists, the highest annual footfall in recent decades.
- 2023 – Continued growth driven by film tourism, religious tourism, and adventure travel.
“A total of 7.66 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir from 2020 to June 2024,” the ministry confirmed, adding that proactive steps by the UT administration and the Centre had revitalized the sector.
Government Initiatives Driving Tourism Growth
The tourism revival in J&K has been attributed to several factors:
- Development of new tourist circuits in places like Gurez, Bangus, Poonch, and Doodhpathri
- Enhanced security arrangements ensuring safe travel for domestic and international tourists
- Aggressive promotion of Amarnath Yatra, Tulip Festival, and winter sports in Gulmarg
- Film policy initiatives that encouraged Bollywood and regional filmmakers to shoot in the valley
- Improved air, rail, and road connectivity under PM Gati Shakti and UDAN schemes
The Ministry of Tourism also highlighted that religious tourism, particularly the Amarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, and visits to historic shrines in Srinagar and Jammu, played a significant role in boosting visitor numbers.
Future Outlook and Sustainability Measures
Officials noted that the J&K Tourism Department is now focusing on sustainable tourism, eco-tourism, and rural tourism development to ensure balanced growth. New initiatives include:
- Capacity-building programs for local stakeholders
- Homestay promotion in unexplored regions
- Investment summits to attract private players in tourism infrastructure
The Centre also reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure enhancement, hospitality training, and digital tourism promotion to ensure continued growth in tourist arrivals over the next five years.
