SRINAGAR: The northern Kashmir district of Kupwara has experienced a substantial rise in tourist visits over the past four years with the district welcoming over 3 Lakh tourists in 2023.
According to data obtained by Kashmir News Service, Kupwara recorded a tourist footfall of 306,772 in the current year, compared to 258,924 in 2022-23, 46,380 in 2021-22, 42,676 in 2019-21, and 6,961 in 2018-19.
Key contributors to Kupwara’s tourism surge include border destinations such as Keran, Machil, and Tangdar, alongside Bangus and Lolab Valley. Notably, Tangdar attracted approximately 1 lakh tourists, while Keran hosted 60 thousand.
Meanwhile, the visitors highlighted concerns, including the need for attention to issues like all-weather road connectivity, infrastructure, and mobile network availability from the administration.
To cater to the accomodation needs, presently 57 home stays are registered in the district, with 40 more in progress, aiming to generate livelihoods and employment opportunities.
Furthermore, following Lolab Valley’s recent recognition in the gold category as the best offbeat tourist destination in India by Outlook Traveler Magazine, the government is contemplating a proposal to enhance Lolab Valley’s infrastructure for comprehensive exploration.
Moreover, the Lolab Bangus Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA) has formulated a proposal to develop the tourism sector across Kupwara, placing the district prominently on the tourism map through eco-tourism infrastructure development.
Various aspects are being considered to promote tourism in the district, including a focus on Adventure Tourism, Border Tourism, Mountaineering, Rafting, Cultural & Heritage Tourism.
The government is also eyeing the development of crucial tourist destinations such as Rehwari, Bangus, Lolab, Drangyari, and Farkivan (Raja Ram Ladi at Meelval).
