SRINAGAR: The flow of tourists has risen significantly at the scenic destination of Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg, with officials reporting a total of 7.60 lakh visitors from January 1 to October 31, 2024.
Sonamarg, known as the “meadow of gold” with its snow-clad mountains against a striking blue sky, sits at an altitude of 2,730 metres and is a captivating hill station in Ganderbal district.
Officials said that tourist numbers have surged since the start of 2024, with 7.60 lakh visitors recorded by the end of October. Among them, 7 lakh were domestic tourists, 14,000 were foreign visitors, and 41,000 were locals.
Sonamarg has become a top attraction for both local and non-local travellers, officials noted.
Local shopkeepers are pleased with the increase in tourism, expressing gratitude to the tourism department for its promotional efforts. They remarked that the influx of tourists has surpassed previous records, signalling Sonamarg’s growing appeal to travellers.
People in the tourism sector are enthusiastic about the revival of their businesses, and they urge the tourism department to continue promoting Sonamarg to attract even more visitors. Tourists, in turn, are visibly delighted, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere in the area.
The CEO of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), Gh Mohd Bhat, said that the SDA has played a crucial role this year by organising a range of winter sports activities, significantly supporting the economic and tourism revival in Sonamarg.
“The Sonamarg Development Authority has been instrumental in reviving both the economy and tourism this year through various winter sports events. As Sonamarg’s snow-covered landscape continues to captivate visitors, we are optimistic that it will sustain the livelihoods of those who depend on this thriving industry,” he said—(KNO)
