5000 New Hotels, 7.5 Crore Tourists in 3 Years
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Apr 29:
In a significant post-Article 370 transformation, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented boom in the tourism sector, with over 5000 new hotels established across the Union Territory since 2019. The development comes on the back of a sharp rise in tourist footfall, which has not only rejuvenated the region’s economy but also generated a host of employment opportunities.
According to official data sourced from the Economic Survey tabled by the Jammu and Kashmir government, an impressive total of 7.49 crore tourists visited the UT between 2021 and 2024. Of these, 6.49 crore tourists visited the Jammu region, while nearly 1 crore tourists explored Kashmir during this period, reflecting a growing interest in both divisions of the region.
“The sheer volume of tourists demanded expansion in accommodation infrastructure, and over the past five years, around 5000 new hotels have been established across J&K to meet this demand,” said Javed Tenga, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). He noted that the tourism sector has been on a steady upswing since 2020, with expectations of continued growth in the near future.
Tour operators and industry stakeholders echoed similar sentiments. They credited the post-2019 administrative decisions, especially under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, for creating a conducive environment that has not only encouraged more tourists but also bolstered investor confidence in the tourism industry.
“We anticipate that the administration will continue to introduce more tourist-friendly measures that will further boost footfall and growth in the sector,” said several tour operators while speaking to KNO.
The Economic Survey highlights the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department’s robust promotional campaigns, both within India and internationally, as a major driver behind this success. These initiatives included active participation in tourism fairs and global expos, as well as a dynamic presence across digital and social media platforms.
A landmark moment for J&K’s tourism sector came with the hosting of the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Srinagar from May 22 to 24, 2023. The international event brought Jammu and Kashmir into the global spotlight, reinforcing its image as a safe and attractive tourist destination.
Moreover, the 2024 Amarnath Yatra recorded the highest number of pilgrims in the past decade, according to the survey, underlining renewed spiritual tourism interest. The report also pointed to a surge in visitors to offbeat and border-area destinations, which are now gaining traction for their unique appeal and scenic beauty.
Importantly, the tourism resurgence is also driving employment generation. With tourism-related activities increasing in scale, thousands of locals have found livelihood opportunities—ranging from hospitality and transport to handicrafts and tour guiding.
Overall, the revival of the tourism sector post-Article 370 abrogation is being seen as one of the key economic successes in Jammu and Kashmir, with stakeholders optimistic about even brighter prospects ahead. (KNO)
