Srinagar- Kashmir ranks ninth among the most sought-after travel destinations in 2023, according to Google’s compilation of the top 10 searched destinations by Indian users.
According to Google’s Year in Search 2024, the other destinations that garnered the most searches from internet users include Azerbaijan, Bali, Manali, Kazakhstan, Jaipur, Georgia, Malaysia, Ayodhya, and south Goa. These trends reflect a marked increase in searches compared to 2023.
Google Trends is a powerful tool that analyzes a sample of Google web searches to provide insights into the relative popularity of search terms over a specific period. It offers a valuable snapshot of the collective interests and search behaviors of users.
The influx of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir is all set to surpass all the previous records in winter as the highest number of visitors have already arrived in the union territory so far and local tourism players are expecting huge tourist influx during the winter season.
Notably, a report revealed that, Srinagar airport handled over one lakh passengers within in a span of 12 Days last month.
Kashmir Valley experienced an unprecedented surge in tourism this year, with over 2.6 million visitors recorded from January 1 to September 30, 2024. According to the Tourism Department, the total number of tourists reached 2,628,509, including 35,254 foreign visitors, underscoring the region’s growing international appeal as a prime tourist destination.
Reports reveal that the recently held Legends League Cricket event in Srinagar has boosted the region’s tourism prospects. Kashmir Marathon 2024, held on October 20, has equally attracted visitors from various parts of the country and worldwide as it was a mega marathon and a lot of foreign athletics have participated in the marathon.
The hosting of the G20 meeting in Srinagar last year, especially the third tourism working group meeting, also is said to have played a pivotal role in boosting foreign tourist attraction to the region.
The tourism industry stands as the second-largest sector in Kashmir after horticulture, contributing significantly to the local economy. While horticulture generates an estimated Rs 10,000 crore annually, tourism injects approximately INR 8,000 crore into the local economy. This economic impact extends beyond orchard owners to sustain various stakeholders, including hoteliers, houseboat owners, tour guides, and artisans involved in handicrafts.
An official said there is a steady rise in foreign tourist arrivals to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Gulmarg. He mentioned that the previous year saw a significant number of international skiers, enjoying the region’s slopes, and there is optimism for a similar or greater influx this year.
“Year-on-year, we are witnessing an increase in foreign tourists, which is a testament to the global appeal of Gulmarg as a winter destination. We are prepared to welcome them with enhanced facilities and safety measures,” he said.
He said that like previous years, the Tourism department has planned a grand festival for Christmas and New Year, while necessary tenders have been floated, and the work allotments will be finalized soon.
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