Foreign tourist spike shows growing confidence in J&K as tourist destination: Parl Panel

Srinagar, Mar 18: A parliamentary panel has observed that the increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Jammu & Kashmir reflects growing international confidence in it as a tourist destination.
In its report, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed satisfaction over tourist arrivals in Jammu & Kashmir. “The Committee notes with satisfaction the significant growth in tourist arrivals from 2022 to 2024, with total footfall increasing from 1.88 crore to 2.36 crore. The sharp increase in foreign tourist arrivals from about 20,000 in 2022 to over 65,000 in 2024 is particularly noteworthy and reflects growing international confidence in the Union Territory as a tourist destination,” reads the report.
The report was tabled in Parliament.
The Committee further observed that although there was a decline in tourist arrivals in 2025 compared to 2024, largely attributable to the Pahalgam incident, the sector demonstrated resilience, with recovery visible from June 2025 onwards.
“The cumulative footfall of approximately 1.78 crore by December 2025 indicates restoration of confidence and sustained interest among visitors,” the report states.
In its report, the Committee said that tourism continues to be one of the key drivers of economic activity and employment generation in the Union Territory.
“The upward trend in tourist arrivals in recent years has contributed significantly to livelihoods in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and allied sectors,” reads the report.
The Committee recommended that the development of emerging destinations must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure, waste management systems, carrying capacity assessment, connectivity improvement, and local community participation.
“A long-term sustainable tourism strategy should be prepared, integrating environmental safeguards and tourist carrying capacity norms. Infrastructure development initiatives at emerging destinations may be expedited in a time-bound manner with clear outcome indicators,” the report states.
The Committee further recommended that greater emphasis be placed on high-value tourism segments such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and winter tourism.
“Skill development and entrepreneurship support should also be provided to local youth to maximize livelihood benefits. Measures for periodic monitoring of tourist satisfaction, safety perception, and infrastructure adequacy could be initiated,” reads the report.
The panel reiterated that tourism has emerged as a vital sector for the economic revitalization of Jammu & Kashmir, and sustained focus on diversification, infrastructure strengthening, and confidence-building measures will be essential to maintain the growth momentum. (KNO)