Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector has witnessed a remarkable 59% surge in foreign tourist arrivals in the Kashmir Valley since the recent G20 event, compared to the previous year, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday.. Among the year’s outstanding achievements, the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra stands out as a historic milestone. This pilgrimage is the lengthiest to date, attracting devotees not only from various parts of the country but also from around the world.
The tourism sector has been granted official industry status, accompanied by the introduction of new measures such as the home-stay and film policies. Similarly, the tented colonies have been established to provide employment opportunities for the youth and those affiliated with the hospitality sector. According to the LG, around 1.27 crore tourists have visited J&K by July this year. This surge also includes an astounding 350 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. It’s well known that foreign tourists had been strictly avoiding Kashmir over the last three decades due to the prevailing turmoil. From January 1 to June 19 this year, over 15,000 foreign tourists have flocked to the Valley. The surge in international tourists is a big leap from the figures of the previous year when only 4,028 foreign visitors arrived during the same period. Foreign tourists are the most sought after in the Valley since they are seen as the high-end visitors, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the total tourist spending. As the year progresses, authorities are optimistic that the numbers will continue to climb, and Kashmir will once again reclaim its position as one of the prominent destinations for holiday makers on the global travel map.
The tourism sector in J&K makes a contribution of around 8.5 percent to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to a recent study, the development of high-end tourism in Kashmir is projected to result in the creation of 10,000 new job opportunities within the next five years. Foreign tourists tend to extend their stay to an average of 7 days when visiting the region, a conspicuous contrast to the general average of 3 days for all categories of tourists.
Propelled by upgraded infrastructure and enhanced services, strategic marketing initiatives, the showcasing of its rich cultural heritage, and an improved security landscape, Kashmir stands on the brink of drawing an extra influx of 200,000 high-end tourists every year, says an estimate. Over the last four years, Kashmir Valley has largely been peaceful, paving the way for the current spurt in tourism. Here is hoping that peace continues in the Valley. This alone guarantees a year-round tourism and the consequent economic prosperity.
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