Buoyed by the success of G20 event in Srinagar earlier this year followed by successful summer season in which about 1.60 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir, the department of tourism is eying on bumper winter season and anticipating footfall of nearly over 2.5 Crore tourists by the end of year.
Around 1.60 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in first eight month of the year (January to August), which included record breaking Amarnath Yatra, delegates during G20 events which followed by gala cultural events, major conferences held in Kashmir and several festivals at offbeat destination across Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
A senior officer said that the tourism department is also planning winter carnivals, festivals to surpass last year’s 1.80 crore tourist mark by the end of the year.
“Government took several initiatives to enhance the tourism activities in the Union Territory. Apart of usual calendar festival and events at major destinations, this year tourism department added several activities at less explored destinations like Gurez, Doodpathri, Lidder, Lolab, Sinthan Top in Kashmir Division and Dacchan-Warwan, Padder, Sarthal, Panchari, Lal Draman, Paristan in Jammu division to increase footfall of tourists and adventure lovers,” the officer quoted above said, adding “G20 meeting in earlier this year came as blessing for Jammu and Kashmir, which undisputedly promotes J&K as safe destination at International forum”.
Officials said that the government’s new film policy and massive destination promotion campaign also contribute in establishing Jammu and Kashmir as a safe and preferable destination.
When contacted, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director, Tourism, Jammu said that efforts are in process to increase footfall of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Till August 2023 we welcomed a record 1.60 crore tourists this season, thought to be the greatest number so date. This has been possible after the department’s multi-dimensional strategy aimed on promotion and development of tourist destinations to boost the sector as well as economic development of locals.
She further added that this winter seasons would be excited for the people as department planned several activities and festivals to attract visitors, which ultimately boost the local economy.
