Kashmir has seen a significant surge in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024, with footfall reaching 15.65 lakh, marking a 20% increase from last year’s 13 lakh during the same period. Visitors, both domestic and international, are flocking to popular destinations such as Dal Lake, the tulip and Mughal gardens in Srinagar, Gulmarg in north Kashmir, and Pahalgam in south Kashmir, alongside lesser-known spots.
Raja Yaqoob Farooq, director of Kashmir tourism, highlighted the positive trend, noting that this year has seen approximately 16 lakh tourists by June 30, up from 13 lakh last year. The number of foreign tourists has also risen significantly, from 14,000 to around 26,000. This surge has been welcomed by stakeholders like Sajad Ahmad, who, after losing his job due to Covid-19, found success with his tour agency, reporting a 100% increase in bookings this year.
Ahmad attributes this boom partly to Covid-19, which redirected tourists to Kashmir for its natural beauty, comparable to European resorts but more affordable. The improved security situation and international events like the G20 Tourism working group meeting have further bolstered Kashmir’s appeal. Lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha credited the successful and peaceful G20 meeting in Srinagar as a turning point for the tourism sector, enhancing Kashmir’s reputation for hospitality and scenic charm.
In the past two years, Kashmir has witnessed record tourist arrivals totaling 53.8 lakhs, marking a resurgence not seen since the early 1990s. Despite challenges such as fluctuating tourist flows during events like the Amarnath Yatra, efforts are underway to enhance accessibility to various tourist sites and offer discounts to yatris. The removal of Article 370 in 2019 has also played a role in improving the security environment, crucial for revitalizing the region’s tourism.
Director Raja Yaqoob Farooq emphasized ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure and expand tourism options, including 75 offbeat destinations like Bungus and Gurez along the Line of Control. These initiatives aim to diversify tourism offerings and solidify Kashmir as a compelling destination for travelers.