Record 2.25 cr tourist arrivals expected this year: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Sep 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir is poised to witness a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with expectations of exceeding 2.25 crore visitors.
“This surge is particularly notable as foreign tourist arrivals have experienced a remarkable 59% increase, primarily attributed to the recent G20 tourism meeting held in Srinagar, he said.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 44th PSPB Inter-Unit Golf Tournament held at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar and organized by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), LG Sinha shared promising tourism statistics. As of August 31st, this year has seen 1 crore 52 lakh tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir, a significant increase from the previous year’s 1 crore 28 lakh visitors.
He expressed optimism that the tourist influx would continue to rise and is expected to surpass 2.25 crores by the end of 2023.
“Notably, foreign tourist arrivals have experienced a remarkable 59% surge, which can be attributed to the G20 working group meeting. These statistics underscore the positive transformations occurring in the Jammu and Kashmir region,” he added.
LG Sinha emphasized the significance of the G20 Summit’s success, the record-breaking tourist inflow, and the notable increase in foreign visitors as clear indicators of the prevailing peace and transformed landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
He extended a warm welcome to the golfers in the Union Territory and urged them to help convey the message of the new Jammu and Kashmir across the nation and internationally.
Lt. Governor also highlighted the remarkable journey of transformation that Jammu and Kashmir has undertaken in recent years.
“Traditionally recognized as a hub of knowledge and natural beauty, the region faced challenges such as secessionism, terrorism, and nepotism for decades,” he said.
LG Sinha further said that those days of despair are now in the past, replaced by a bright ray of hope in the lives of its people.
He pointed out that in many sectors, Jammu and Kashmir are outperforming several states and Union Territories, marking a promising era of progress and development.
He also appreciated the ONGC for its contribution and support to the UT Government in various endeavours.
Eight teams of petroleum and oil companies comprising of various national and international golfers are participating in the tournament.
The event was attended by Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Ranjan Prakash Thakur, CVO ONGC; Manish Patil Director HR ONGC; Lalit Watts, Advisor, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, members of PSPB, Golfers and senior officers were present.