Srinagar, July 21: A record 2.35 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2024.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply, said domestic tourist numbers shot up tenfold — from 25.19 lakh in 2020 to 2.35 crore in 2024. Foreign tourist arrivals also surged, jumping from just 5,317 in 2020 to 65,452 in 2024.
The Minister informed that under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, six major tourism projects worth 510.58 crore have been completed in J&K since 2016-17.
These projects cover popular destinations such as Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Leh, Kargil, Anantnag, Pulwama, Zanskar, Gulmarg, Baramullah, and Kupwara.
The minister has informed that the region now boasts better roads, modern tourist facilities, and enhanced connectivity, making travel smoother and more attractive for visitors.
“The big increase in tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a sign of growing peace, better roads and facilities, and more confidence among both domestic and foreign travelers”.
“This tourism growth is helping the local economy by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and bringing new chances for people in the region”.
Earlier this month, Shekhawat appreciated the uptick in tourist footfall in Kashmir.
He also said that the Centre and the J&K Government worked in tandem to “ensure this turnaround in tourism.
The tourism department is optimistic that the second half of 2025 may see a rebound, especially with upcoming festivals, improved security measures, and targeted promotional campaigns aimed at rebuilding tourist confidence.
“We are hopeful to see a growth in tourist flow in the coming months, especially during the festival season. The department is also using various media to promote tourism in the UT,” said an official.
Pertinently, the Jammu and Kashmir government, followed by support from the union government and other states, has launched a campaign to promote Jammu and Kashmir tourism.
Last week, CM Omar Abdullah attended and inaugurated the Travel Trade Fair in Kolkata, urging tourists to visit Kashmir.
He also invited West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee to visit Kashmir to boost confidence among tourists of the state to choose Kashmir for trips.