Jammu Div witnesses tourism boom after Art 370 abrogation

JAMMU, Feb 25: Government efforts to promote tourism in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) alongside the removal of Article 370 have borne fruit, evident in the increasing tourist influx in the Jammu division since 2019.
In 2019, the BJP-led NDA Government abrogated Article 370, marking a significant turning point. Since then, tourist footfall in various destinations across Jammu Division has seen a notable uptick annually, with the exception of the Covid-19 period when nationwide lockdowns were enforced.
Official figures from Rising Kashmir indicate that in 2019, around 15,655,718 tourists explored various destinations in the Jammu region following the abrogation of Article 370. Subsequent years witnessed a steady rise in tourist numbers. By 2022, the count had reached 15,932,866.
However, the years 2020 and 2021 saw a slight decline due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, 3,434,886 tourists visited Jammu’s tourist spots, while in 2021, the number rose to 10,650,758.
The momentum picked up again in 2022, with a substantial increase as 15,932,866 tourists explored the region’s attractions. The following year, 2023, saw another surge, with 18,024,166 tourists from across the country and abroad visiting various destinations in Jammu.
As of February 13 this year, around 1,490,600 tourists have already visited prominent tourist spots in the Jammu region, from Doda-Bhaderwah-Kishtwar to Rajouri-Poonch.
Tourist Officer Rajesh Raina expressed optimism about the forthcoming tourist season, citing factors such as the conclusion of exams by March, summer vacations, the commencement of the holy Amarnath yatra, and the Navratras. He anticipates that this year’s tourist footfall will break previous records.
Among the preferred destinations in the Jammu region are Patnitop/Sanasar, Mansar, Suchetgarh in RS Pura, Chichi Mata in Samba, Sukrala Mata, Mata Bala Sunderi, Ziarat Shahadra Sharief, Ziarat Sain-Miran Sahib, Nangli Sahib, and Bhaderwah. Notably, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi attracts the highest number of tourists among all destinations in the region.