In a bid to elevate religious tourism, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir has identified 75 additional tourist destinations. This strategic move follows an impressive surge in tourism during 2022, with over 1 crore visitors to the valley, according to official statistics. During the “Jashn-e-Adab—Cultural Karavaan” event, Tourism Secretary Syed Abid Rashid Shah expressed optimism about the advancements in the region’s tourism industry.
Shah confidently stated, “We have made significant progress, far surpassing last year’s tourist influx.” He attributed this thriving tourism scene to various factors, including the pivotal impact of the G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar, which he described as a “game changer” in boosting foreign tourist arrivals.
The increased footfall isn’t the only achievement to celebrate. Shah shared that the government’s endeavors to promote lesser-explored destinations have yielded substantial results. He explained, “To showcase local culture, we have highlighted 75 offbeat destinations. In addition, we have earmarked 75 places to facilitate spiritual experiences and another 75 to enrich religious tourism within Jammu and Kashmir.”
Shah elaborated on the ongoing initiatives that aim to showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. He highlighted active participation in International Trade Marts to engage international tourists and assured that a pro-artisan policy is in development, aiming to support the local artisan community.
Emphasizing the commitment to spreading the allure of Jammu and Kashmir, Shah revealed that a team from the Tourism Department is currently on a promotional trip in Ahmedabad, which has already generated significant interest. He underscored the success of similar campaigns previously conducted in Cochin and Chennai.
With these multifaceted efforts aligning to bolster the tourism sector, the prospects of achieving record-breaking tourist numbers for the year appear well within grasp. As the region continues to welcome both local and international tourists, the outlook for Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism industry remains promising.