In a promising turn of events, Kashmir is gearing up to welcome an unprecedented number of record breaking tourists, poised to shatter all previous records. With reports indicating that over 1.25 million visitors have already graced the region’s scenic landscapes, 2024 promises to be a landmark year for Kashmir’s tourism sector.
Local tourism authorities reveal that Kashmir has witnessed an influx of over 1.25 million tourists so far, painting a picture of remarkable growth and vitality in the region’s tourism landscape.
Notably, all accommodations in key tourist hotspots like Srinagar city, the picturesque Gulmarg ski resort, and the idyllic hill stations of Pahalgam and Sonamarg are fully booked until mid-June. This surge in bookings extends to guest houses, homestays, and houseboats dotting the serene Dal and Nigeen Lakes, underlining the irresistible allure of Kashmir’s natural beauty.
A standout trend this year is the rising number of foreign tourists, drawn by the region’s improved law and order situation and prevailing atmosphere of peace. The influx of international visitors holds significant economic potential, given their propensity for higher spending compared to domestic tourists.
Despite the impending Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which typically dampens record breaking tourists arrivals due to the influx of pilgrims, hoteliers remain buoyant about sustained tourism levels, buoyed by robust pre-bookings.
The scorching temperatures gripping other parts of the country have further fueled the rush of tourists to Kashmir, with the region emerging as the preferred destination over traditional hill stations like Shimla, Darjeeling, and Nainital.
Currently, tourists predominantly hail from states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, with expectations of a surge in visitors from Delhi and Punjab anticipated in the coming weeks.
The tourism sector stands as Kashmir’s second-largest economic pillar after horticulture, injecting an estimated INR 8,000 crore annually into the local economy. This economic lifeline sustains a multitude of stakeholders, including hoteliers, houseboat owners, tour guides, and artisans, bolstering livelihoods and fostering prosperity across the region.