Srinagar I March 07, 2025
Jammu and Kashmir has cemented its status as India’s premier travel destination, welcoming an unprecedented 2.36 crore tourists in 2024. This record-breaking figure, announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, marks a significant leap from the 2.11 crore visitors in 2023, highlighting a tourism boom that has transformed the region into a year-round paradise for travellers.
Post-Article 370 Surge Fuels Growth
The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 continues to be a turning point for Kashmir’s tourism industry. Enhanced stability, improved infrastructure, and proactive government promotion have unleashed a wave of interest in the region’s breathtaking landscapes. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently noted in the Legislative Assembly that over 4.48 crore tourists, including 1.20 lakh foreigners, visited the Union Territory in the past two years, with 2024 alone setting a new benchmark. “The tourism sector is reshaping our economy,” Abdullah stated, emphasizing its role in employment and local business growth.
Iconic Destinations Draw the Crowds
From the serene waters of Dal Lake to the snow-clad slopes of Gulmarg, Kashmir’s iconic spots have been the biggest draw.
Pahalgam’s lush valleys and Sonamarg’s rugged beauty also saw massive footfalls, with the Gulmarg Gondola alone hosting 7.68 lakh visitors and generating ₹103 crore in revenue in 2024.
The recent reopening of the Srinagar-Leh Highway, with snow clearance efforts at Zojila Pass, has further boosted access to these gems, promising even more visitors in 2025 as connectivity improves with projects like the Z-Morh Tunnel.
Infrastructure and Innovation Lead the Way
The government’s focus on sustainable growth has been key. With ₹35.08 crore spent on promotion over the past two financial years, alongside initiatives like river cruise development on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, Jammu and Kashmir is diversifying its offerings.
The upcoming Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link and plans to develop 75 new tourist destinations signal a robust future.
“Kashmir is no longer just a seasonal escape—it’s a global hotspot,” said a tourism official.
A Call to Adventure
With 2025 already showing promise—boosted by fresh snowfall and events like the Khelo India Winter Games—Kashmir is beckoning travelers worldwide.