SRINAGAR (Jammu and Kashmir) : In the first half of 2024, Kashmir saw a remarkable uptick in tourism, with 15.60 lakh tourists visiting the scenic region — a 20 percent increase from the 13 lakh during the same period last year. Despite this surge, hoteliers feel that the influx of Amarnath yatris has slightly decreased the number of regular tourists.
According to officials, the Himalayan valley has become a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, who are drawn to attractions like Dal Lake, the tulip and Mughal gardens in Srinagar, the resorts of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, and the scenic Pahalgam in the south. Even lesser-known spots are seeing an uptick in visitors.
"We have welcomed roughly 16 lakh tourists by June 30 this year, compared to 13 lakh during the same timeframe last year," said Kashmir tourism director Raja Yaqoob Farooq. "The number of foreign tourists has also increased to approximately 26,000 from 14,000 last year." Yaqoob attributed this growth to improved law and order in the region, the opening of new tourist destinations, and enhanced infrastructure.
He highlighted the opening of around 10 new tourist spots, including Daksun Sinthan, with Gurez receiving the best offbeat tourist destination award from the tourism ministry and Lolab securing an Outlook award. "We are expanding our tourism offerings by introducing border tourism sites," Yaqoob added. "Kashmir is becoming a sought-after destination."
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has identified 75 offbeat tourist destinations, including Bungus, Keran, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Dawar along the Line of Control in North Kashmir.
