Srinagar, Dec 7: In a historic milestone, Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourism, welcoming a staggering two crore tourists up to November this year, marking a significant turnaround for the region.
Union Tourism Minister G Kishen Reddy, addressing Parliament, highlighted that this marks the first time since Independence that such a monumental influx has been recorded.
Attributing this surge to the dynamic efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Reddy stated that Modi’s role as a potent ambassador for India’s tourism industry.
The minister underscored how, during each of PM Modi’s foreign visits, he showcased India’s immense tourism potential, acting as a catalyst for attracting lakhs of tourists to the country.
The G-20 meetings played a pivotal role, with Reddy pointing out that these gatherings not only enhanced India’s global standing but also served as a catalyst for tourism promotion.
The G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar in May received special mention, being credited with luring a substantial number of foreign tourists to the picturesque Kashmir valley.
A remarkable 155% increase in overall tourist arrivals in 2023, compared to the preceding years of 2021 and 2022, paints a picture of a burgeoning tourism sector in India.
The tourism officials in J&K attribute this success to strategic initiatives, such as exploring offbeat destinations, reviving film and border tourism, and promoting home stays.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, echoing the sentiment, declared in Parliament that J&K is poised to surpass the two crore tourist arrivals mark, breaking its previous record set by the BJP.
