J&K Records 4.40 Crore Tourists in Two Years, ₹35.08 Crore Spent on Promotion, 1.20 Lakh Foreigners in Two Years: CM
With 1.20 lakh foreign tourists among 4.40 crore visitors, J&K emerges as a top travel destination, fueled by ₹35.08 crore in tourism promotion efforts.
Jammu, 04-03-2025: Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist footfall over the past two years, with over 4.40 crore visitors, including 1.20 lakh foreign tourists, flocking to the Union Territory, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the assembly on Tuesday. Highlighting the tourism sector’s critical role in the region’s economy, he emphasized its potential for large-scale employment generation.
Presenting the official figures, Abdullah said that 2,11,24,674 tourists visited J&K in 2023, while the number rose to 2,35,24,629 in 2024. Among them, 55,337 foreign tourists arrived in 2023, and 65,452 in 2024, indicating growing international interest in the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
The Chief Minister, who also oversees the Tourism Department, revealed that the government has spent ₹35.08 crore over the last two financial years on promotional campaigns and tourism-related activities. ₹12.54 crore was utilized in FY 2023-24, while ₹22.54 crore was allocated for 2024-25, he informed the House while responding to a query from National Conference MLA Mubarak Gul.
Abdullah stated that the investment in marketing and promotional strategies has played a significant role in attracting tourists, especially post-pandemic, and ensuring sustained growth in the sector.
Emphasizing tourism as a major employment generator, Abdullah acknowledged that while thousands rely on the sector for their livelihood, no formal survey has been conducted to determine the exact number of individuals directly or indirectly engaged in tourism-related jobs.
To enhance tourism infrastructure and ensure better facilities for visitors, he disclosed that 59 tourism department assets have been outsourced over the past two years, facilitating their efficient utilization and maintenance.
The chief minister reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a global tourism hub and said that further initiatives would be launched to sustain and expand the positive momentum in the sector.
