Tourism Dept. in valley generates revenue of Rs 6.19 Cr in five years, G-20, other conference costs Rs 1.45 Crore
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley has welcomed over 9.2 million tourists since 2019, including more than 1.4 lakh foreign visitors, marking a dramatic resurgence in the region’s tourism sector after the pandemic-induced slump, according to official data released by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department.
The data was provided by the Tourism Department in an RTI filed obtained by RTI activist MM Shuja.
As per the details provided by Tourism Department in 2019, the Valley welcomed a total of 5,65,532 tourists, comprising 5,31,753 domestic and 33,779 foreign visitors. However, the numbers took a sharp dip in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, with only 41,267 tourists visiting — including 37,370 domestic and a mere 3,897 foreigners.
The following year, 2021, saw early signs of recovery with 6,64,199 total tourists, though international arrivals remained low at 1,615, while domestic tourism contributed 6,62,584. A major rebound was recorded in 2022, when 23,10,039 tourists visited Kashmir, including 22,90,355 domestic and 19,954 foreign travellers.
The upward trend continued in 2023, with the Valley hosting 27,10,497 tourists, of which 26,72,819 were domestic and 37,678 foreign. Last year, 2024 (up to December 31), has marked an all-time high, with 29,86,780 tourist arrivals — comprising 29,43,126 domestic and 43,654 foreign visitors.
The counting mechanism, managed manually by the Tourist Police at Srinagar Airport and the National Highway, reflects the administration’s focus on real-time data to streamline services.
Further, the region’s tourism revival was bolstered by high-profile events like the G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in May 2023 (cost: ₹85.42 lakh) and the J&K Tourism Development Conclave in June 2024 (cost: ₹60 lakh), collectively costing over ₹1.45 crore. These initiatives aimed to position Kashmir as a global destination, attracting diplomatic and investor attention.
The Tourism Department also reported earnings of ₹619.26 lakh since 2019 from outsourcing 60 tourist assets, including accommodations and facilities, under an “as is where is” model. Revenue surged from ₹70.57 lakh in 2019–20 to ₹192.96 lakh in 2023–24, reflecting improved infrastructure and tourist spending.
