SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that the government is prioritising the promotion of religious and tourist sites in Srinagar to boost tourism and attract more visitors. He said that the sector is a key pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, significantly contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment generation. He was responding to a query from Member Ali Mohammad Sagar in the Legislative Assembly regarding the tourism sector’s role and measures taken to increase tourist inflow.
The Chief Minister highlighted that tourism provides direct and indirect livelihood opportunities for hotel staff, tour operators, taxi drivers, souvenir vendors, and local youth. He stated that the government is committed to promoting key tourist destinations such as Dal Lake, Nishat, Shalimar, Chashmashahi, Pari Mahal, shrines, temples, and gurdwaras. He added that efforts are underway to diversify the tourism sector by promoting adventure tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, golf tourism, eco-tourism, pilgrimage tourism, and cultural and heritage tourism.
As Minister in charge of the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister said the government is actively promoting JK’s top tourist destinations through advertising campaigns on national and international platforms. He also stated that the Tourism Department is working on developing lesser-explored destinations such as Gurez, Keran, Bungus, Tosamaidan, Aharbal, Doodhpathri, Machail, Bhaderwah, Sukrala Mata, and Pancheri to expand tourism beyond traditional spots.
Tourist arrivals in JK have significantly increased over the last two years, with 2,11,80,011 visits recorded in 2023, rising to 2,35,90,081 in 2024. The Chief Minister provided updates on tourism infrastructure projects undertaken in the past three years. In 2022-23, 984 projects were initiated, of which 549 were completed. In 2023-24, 1,191 projects were initiated, with 516 completed. In 2024-25, up to the present date, 1,914 projects have been started, with 1,057 completed.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s focus on strengthening tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring sustained growth in the sector.
