The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented by the Jammu and Kashmir government in the Legislative Assembly, has shed light on the tourism trends in the region over the past three years. According to the report, the union territory received a total of 7.49 crore tourists between 2021 and 2024. This includes religious tourists who visited the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Kashmir.
Disparity in Tourism Footfall
The survey reveals a significant difference in tourist footfall between Jammu and Kashmir. Out of the 7.49 crore visitors, Jammu alone welcomed 6.49 crore, accounting for 86.66% of the total tourist inflow. In contrast, the Kashmir Valley received only 99.93 lakh tourists, making up 13.33% of the total footfall. This gap highlights the disparity in tourism preferences between the two regions, with Jammu attracting a larger number of visitors.
Tourist Statistics for 2021
In 2021, Jammu and Kashmir received 1.13 crore tourists in total. Jammu saw a massive influx of 1.06 crore tourists, including domestic, foreign, and religious visitors, while Kashmir received just 6.65 lakh tourists. This pattern continued over the next few years, reinforcing the dominance of Jammu in the tourism sector.
Religious Tourism in Jammu
One of the key factors behind Jammu’s high tourism numbers is its religious significance. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra is one of the most visited religious sites in India, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. Similarly, the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir also attracts a large number of devotees, but the numbers remain lower compared to Vaishno Devi. This religious tourism has played a crucial role in boosting Jammu’s tourism figures.
Potential of Kashmir Tourism
Despite its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Kashmir continues to receive a smaller share of the overall tourist influx. The valley, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” offers breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and lush green meadows. However, factors such as political instability, security concerns, and travel restrictions have affected its ability to attract a higher number of visitors.
Government Efforts
The government has been making efforts to promote tourism in Kashmir by organizing festivals, improving infrastructure, and encouraging adventure tourism. Over the past few years, new initiatives have been launched to attract travelers beyond religious tourism. Efforts to showcase Kashmir’s unique attractions, such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Dal Lake, are being strengthened to bring in more visitors.
Future of Tourism
Tourism is a vital part of the economy in Jammu and Kashmir, providing employment to thousands and contributing to the region’s growth. The stark contrast between Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism numbers suggests a need for more strategic planning to ensure a balanced distribution of visitors. If security conditions improve and promotional activities increase, Kashmir has the potential to attract a much larger share of tourists in the coming years.