Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Feb 20 : The Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that over 1.62 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir so far in 2025, with the administration pursuing a structured roadmap for the sustained revival and growth of the tourism sector.
Replying to a question tabled by MLA Javid Hassan Baig regarding tourist footfall, the Tourism Department, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that tourist data is maintained destination-wise and details for the last three years, along with comparisons to the pre-2019 period, have been compiled.
As per the figures placed before the House, Jammu division recorded 1,62,35,036 visitors in 2025 (till date), while Kashmir division recorded 4,77,882 visitors, taking the combined total to over 1.67 crore.
In 2024, Jammu division recorded 2,00,91,379 tourists, while Kashmir division recorded 98,19,841 visitors. In 2023, the figures stood at 1,80,24,166 in Jammu and 96,33,972 in Kashmir.
Among major destinations in Kashmir in 2025, the reply said Gulmarg recorded 1,10,728 visitors, Pahalgam 1,00,236, Sonamarg 4,87,638, while Doodhpathri 1,27,919 and Kokernag 6,12,235 also witnessed significant footfall.
“In Jammu division, major pilgrim destinations continued to draw large numbers. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi/Katra recorded over 69.32 lakh visitors in 2025, while Shiv Khori saw over 10.56 lakh visitors. Other destinations, including Patnitop, Mansar, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, and Surinsar, also registered steady tourist arrivals.”
The government said, tourism remains one of the key pillars of J&K’s economy, providing direct and indirect employment to hotel owners, transporters, tour guides, artisans, small traders and other stakeholders.
To restore confidence among tourists and counter negative perceptions, the department said it has strengthened security arrangements at tourist locations, improved road connectivity and civic amenities, upgraded tourism infrastructure and intensified promotional campaigns at national and international levels.
“Familiarization (FAM) tours for travel operators, influencers and media representatives are also being organised.”
The government further said, it is implementing a phased roadmap focusing on infrastructure upgradation, improved connectivity, expansion of accommodation facilities including homestays, strengthening of tourism development authorities and skill development for local youth.
“Special emphasis is being laid on diversification through the promotion of pilgrimage tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism and winter tourism, the government said, adding that these initiatives aim to generate employment and ensure inclusive economic growth across the Union Territory.”—(KNO)
