SRINAGAR: Tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir declined sharply in 2025 after four consecutive years of growth, with domestic tourist visits falling by nearly 23 per cent and foreign arrivals dropping by almost 45 per cent, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The figures, released by the Ministry of Tourism in response to a question on tourism development in Jammu and Kashmir, show that domestic tourist visits (DTVs) declined from 230.13 lakh in 2024 to 177.29 lakh in 2025, a fall of 22.96 per cent. Foreign tourist visits (FTVs) also dropped from 0.65 lakh to 0.36 lakh, registering a decline of 44.62 per cent.
The decline follows an unprecedented tourism boom that began after the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic arrivals had increased from 113.15 lakh in 2021 to 184.99 lakh in 2022, followed by 206.79 lakh in 2023 and a record 230.13 lakh in 2024. Foreign arrivals also rose steadily during the same period, increasing from just 0.02 lakh in 2021 to 0.65 lakh in 2024, before falling last year.
Although the Ministry did not specify the reasons for the decline, the data marks the first reversal in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism recovery since 2021.
Despite the fall in tourist arrivals, tourism continues to remain one of the Union Territory’s largest employment generators. The Ministry informed Parliament that tourism-related employment in Jammu and Kashmir is estimated to have increased from 10.42 lakh persons in 2021-22 to 10.78 lakh in 2025, based on estimates derived from the Periodic Labour Force Survey conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The Ministry clarified, however, that no formal study has been undertaken to assess the direct economic impact of tourism on Jammu and Kashmir’s economy or employment, indicating that the employment figures are estimates rather than the outcome of a dedicated impact assessment.
On future tourism development, the Centre said identification and development of new destinations—including religious, cultural and heritage tourism circuits—remains primarily the responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir administration. The Union Ministry supports such initiatives through centrally sponsored programmes including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, which focuses on sustainable destination development, and the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme, aimed at improving infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
The Ministry also outlined measures being taken to improve tourist safety and visitor experience. It said states and Union Territories have been encouraged to deploy dedicated Tourism Police to enhance visitor security.
To improve digital services, the Ministry has revamped the Incredible India Digital Portal, which now functions as a single-window platform providing AI-enabled personalised travel information, destination guides, weather updates, event information and integrated booking services.
The Centre also noted that India’s e-Visa facility is currently available to citizens of 174 countries, allowing entry through 33 airports, 35 seaports and four land ports, making international travel to destinations such as Jammu and Kashmir more accessible.
