The Centre has announced that over one crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) from January to June 2024. The region has seen remarkable growth in tourism, particularly following the abrogation of Article 370.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, highlighted the steady rise in tourist numbers over the past few years. In 2020, J&K welcomed 34,70,834 tourists. This number surged to 1,13,14,884 in 2021 and 1,88,64,332 in 2022. Last year, the region saw 2,11,24,874 visitors, and as of June this year, 1,08,41,009 tourists have already explored the Union Territory.

Several strategic measures have been credited for this significant improvement in J&K’s tourism sector. The implementation of the Tourism Policy 2020 and the status of industry granted to the tourism sector under the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021 have played pivotal roles. These policies have provided various incentives, encouraging the growth of the tourism industry.

The improvement in the law and order situation has also contributed to the tourism boom. This resurgence has positively impacted the livelihoods of thousands of people connected to the tourism industry, both directly and indirectly.

To accommodate the increasing influx of tourists, the government introduced homestay guidelines, benefiting both visitors and local residents economically. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2021 and Houseboat Policy-2020 have been significant in promoting the region as a tourist hotspot.

The government has identified 75 off-beat destinations to diversify tourism offerings. Notably, border tourism has gained traction, with previously lesser-known areas like Gurez, Keran, Teetwal, and R.S. Pura opening up to tourists. Adventure and golf tourism are also emerging sectors in J&K.

Jammu and Kashmir is increasingly being recognized as an international tourist destination. The successful hosting of major events, such as the 3rd G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, has enhanced the region's global profile.

The development of modern infrastructure, including luxury hotels and resorts, positions J&K as an attractive location for destination weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.

The tourism sector's contribution to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has grown from 7.84% in the financial year 2019-20 to 8.47% in 2022-23. Over the past three years, the sector has recorded an annual average growth rate of 15.13%.