Srinagar:Agha Syed Amin Musvi | WTNS | March 18:Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has surged to record levels over the past decade, with more than 150 million visitors arriving in the region, according to a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs report released this week. The report credits government initiatives, skill development programs, and international recognition of Kashmiri craftsmanship for the tourism revival.
The figures show a steady increase in visitors between 2015 and 2019, with numbers peaking at 16.9 million in 2018 before dipping slightly to 16.2 million in 2019. The pandemic in 2020 caused a sharp decline, bringing tourism down to 3.5 million visitors that year. Since then, the industry has rebounded strongly, with 11.3 million tourists in 2021, 18.9 million in 2022, and a record 23.6 million in 2024, the highest in Jammu and Kashmir’s history.
The government has introduced several measures to boost tourism, including the Home Stay Policy 2022, which allows homeowners to convert their residences into guest accommodations. So far, 2,302 homestays have been registered across the region. Adventure tourism—ranging from trekking and skiing to river rafting and mountain biking—has also seen significant growth, generating employment for local guides and instructors.
The region’s centuries-old craft industries have gained international recognition in recent years. Srinagar was designated a “World Crafts City” by the World Craft Council, becoming only the second city in India to receive the title. It has also been included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for crafts and folk arts. The report highlights that handloom and handicraft exports doubled between 2021-22 and 2023-24, with 422,000 artisans and 7,535 cooperative societies registered in the sector.
To further support artisans, the administration has introduced a Credit Card Scheme for weavers, providing financial assistance to sustain and expand traditional crafts. The committee praised these developments, stating that tourism has become a major economic driver, creating jobs and boosting local businesses. It also recommended that the Jammu and Kashmir administration develop a long-term strategy to position the region as a global travel destination while ensuring sustainable growth.
As visitor numbers continue to rise, officials say they are optimistic about the region’s economic prospects. The question now is whether this growth can be sustained—and whether Kashmir can maintain its delicate balance between preservation and progress.
