Kashmir tourism has seen a tremendous surge in tourists since Articles 370 and 35(A) abrogation in 2019. New developments in infrastructure, connectivity, and law enforcement have ensured that the Kashmir valley gets its deserving name and fame.  But that’s not the only reason why. When the international borders were closed due to the pandemic, tourists found a renewed interest in the Jammu and Kashmir valley. And it has been a fascinating turn of events ever since. 

Let’s read about the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir Tourism.

Kashmir valley is paradisical, pushing Europe’s landscape and tourism sector to tough competition. It is an ideal travel destination with abundant touring options for all, including adrenaline junkies, travel enthusiasts, honeymooners, pilgrims, and families. 

To restore the dwindling Jammu and Kashmir tourism landscape after Covid-19, the Government allocated INR 768 crores budget for the tourism sector to boost and promote Kashmir tourism worldwide, a 184% higher than the previous budget allocation. From then to the grand launch of the Chenab golden bridge and the opening of the first cinema hall, Kashmir has seen promising developments in manifolds. 

In April 2022 alone, Srinagar International Airport recorded the highest number of daily passengers and flights – 15,999 and 102, respectively. In order to cater to this surge in traffic, the UN has planned to build another terminal at the airport. With 10.6 million tourists visiting in the first 6 months of the year, the number of footfalls is assumed to cross 20 million by 2022 end.

The Iconic Tulip Garden in Kashmir, one of Asia’s biggest gardens, was reopened in March for tourists.  Subsequently, it witnessed the highest number of local and domestic tourists since its inauguration in 2007. 

It is also great news for adventure lovers who love the high of trying thrilling sports. Various adventure activities, including Jet Ski rides at Dal Lake, have been added to the valley to boost tourism, business, and employment opportunities. 

Besides this, various art and culture-based festivals are organized at different places to promote Kashmir tourism, heritage, food, handicraft, and sports. 

With new infrastructural and transportation development, tourists can discover and explore inaccessible, rural parts of the beautiful Kashmir valley. For instance, the Sagg eco-village in the Ganderbal district integrates rural life, culture, and heritage that allows interaction with the locals and tourists in an enriching manner, creating an eco-friendly and sustainable economic model for the locals to thrive on. 

Under the Jammu tourism smart city project, twenty religious sites were marked for renovation and restoration with modern technology to attract a large number of pilgrims. 

The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir also announced that a tourism festival would soon be organized to promote 75 tourist locations in the Kashmir valley.

Implementation of online bookings, Crowd Management Systems, ropeways, skywalks, and suspension bridges are also in the planning. 

Another remarkable initiative launched by the J&K government is the establishment of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Village Network to boost rural tourism. 

It has the vision to transform seventy-five villages with abundant historical, food, cultural significance, and breathtaking landscapes into tourist destinations. This would also promote youth-led sustainable tourism, women empowerment, and community entrepreneurship by offering locals direct and indirect job opportunities.

All in all, Jammu and Kashmir tourism is fast moving on the path of becoming the number one tourist destination in the world. On August 5th, the entire constitution of India came into being in Jammu and Kashmir, removing the biggest obstacle in the Kashmir tourism development for 75 years. This will ensure that the path to glory is unshakable and profound.