Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, July 10: In recent years, The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant boost in tourism. This is due to the efforts made by the Modi-led government to promote tourism in the region.
As a result of these efforts, tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir have increased by over 30% in the past year alone. The government has also introduced several initiatives to make it easier for tourists to visit the region, such as improved infrastructure, better security measures, and easier visa regulations.
The government has also focused on promoting the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Kashmir is home to several world-famous tourist destinations, including the picturesque Dal Lake, the stunning Gulmarag ski resort, the health resort Pahalgam, the historic city of Srinagar, etc.
A tourism official told Kashmir Despatch that the increase in tourism has been a massive boost to the local economy, with many businesses reporting increased sales and revenue. This has also led to new job opportunities for locals.
He said in the first six months of the year 2023, around 13 lakh tourists visited the Kashmir region, and the administration is expecting another record number of arrivals in the ensuing year.
The officer further added that Kashmir is receiving a flow of foreign travellers from Southeast Asia and European countries, which is also a great sign for the valley.
A group of locals affiliated with tourism businesses have also praised the Modi government for its efforts to promote the region as a must-visit tourist destination. They hope that the government will continue to invest in the region’s tourism industry, which they believe has enormous potential for growth in the coming years.
Pertinently, in 2022, only 4,000 foreign travellers visited Kashmir; in when current year up to June, around 16,000 foreign travellers have visited, and the tourism department is hopeful the numbers will increase with every passing day.
The improvement in the security situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has already set a record for the highest number of tourists last year.
Earlier, due to law and order issues, foreign travellers would prefer other destinations, but now with the heightened security scenario, the tourists are returning to enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
