Kashmir sees consistent tourist inflow over three years: Govt

Jammu, Feb 20: The government on Friday said that Kashmir Valley has recorded sustained tourist inflow over the past three years, with 96,33,972 visitors in 2023, 98,19,841 in 2024 and 47,78,822 tourists in 2025 so far.
Replying to a starred question tabled by MLA Javid Hassan Baig in the Assembly, the Minister Incharge, Tourism Department, said destination-wise data for the last three years and comparison with pre-2019 figures have been placed as Annexure-A.
As per official data, in Baramulla district, Gulmarg received 16,25,732 tourists in 2023, 13,64,821 in 2024 and 11,07,728 in 2025 (till date).
In Anantnag district, Pahalgam recorded 14,54,269 visitors in 2023, 12,60,909 in 2024 and 10,04,236 in 2025, while Verinag saw 4,73,710 in 2023, 8,56,168 in 2024 and 3,52,984 in 2025.
In Ganderbal district, Sonamarg witnessed 5,55,226 tourists in 2023, 8,89,277 in 2024 and 4,87,638 in 2025.
In Budgam district, Doodhpathri recorded 2,81,270 visitors in 2023, 18,71,157 in 2024 and 1,27,919 in 2025, while Yousmarg saw 3,46,520 in 2023, 3,29,320 in 2024 and 9,297 in 2025.
In Kupwara district, Bangus Valley registered 2,58,924 tourists in 2023, 3,32,599 in 2024 and 49,746 in 2025; Keran/Tetwal recorded 7,90,450 in 2023, 10,47,733 in 2024 and 61,223 in 2025; while Gurez saw 48,797 in 2023, 1,11,613 in 2024 and 54,675 in 2025. In Kulgam district, Aharbal received 3,10,624 visitors in 2023, 5,00,570 in 2024 and 42,016 in 2025.
In Pulwama district, Tosamaidan recorded 77,929 tourists in 2023, 79,846 in 2024 and 28,720 in 2025. In Shopian district, Daksum-Sinthan witnessed 1,46,830 tourists in 2023, 2,24,915 in 2024 and 1,75,667 in 2025. In Bandipora district, Mansbal recorded 1,58,213 visitors in 2023, 2,50,703 in 2024 and 22,458 in 2025.
The Minister said the steady inflow reflects the impact of enhanced connectivity, improved infrastructure and sustained promotional efforts undertaken by the government to strengthen tourism across the Valley. (KNO)