Srinagar, Mar 9: After several years of steady growth in tourist arrivals, Kashmir witnessed a noticeable dip in 2025, with the Valley receiving 11.16 lakh visitors, according to news agency.
Of the total 11,16,043 tourists who visited Kashmir in 2025, around 10,93,050 were domestic travelers, while 22,993 were foreign visitors. The decline in arrivals is largely attributed to the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which impacted travel sentiment and bookings during the peak season.
Official data shows that tourist numbers in Kashmir had been steadily rising in previous years. In 2021, the Valley received 6,65,777 visitors, including 6,64,163 domestic tourists and 1,614 foreign nationals. Tourism rebounded strongly in 2022, with 26,73,442 visitors—26,53,495 domestic and 19,947 international tourists.
The upward trend continued in 2023, with arrivals reaching 31,55,835, comprising 31,18,157 domestic and 37,678 foreign tourists. Tourism peaked in 2024, recording 34,98,702 visitors, including 34,55,048 domestic travelers and 43,654 international tourists.
However, in 2025, numbers declined sharply to 11.16 lakh, reflecting the impact of security concerns on travel to the region.
Tourism remains one of the most vibrant and resilient sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing significantly to development and employment. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the sector accounts for nearly 7 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and provides livelihoods to around 5 lakh people directly and indirectly through hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and adventure tourism.
Known as the ‘Paradise on Earth,’ Jammu and Kashmir continues to draw visitors with its scenic landscapes and tranquil environment. The region has also emerged as a major destination for adventure tourism, offering skiing, snowboarding, and gondola rides during winter, while trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, and other outdoor activities attract tourists in summer.
The administration has been promoting niche segments, including golf tourism and rural tourism. Internationally recognized golf courses, such as the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar and the Jammu Tawi Golf Course, have strengthened the region’s tourism appeal. The growth of homestay accommodations has further supported the sector, with over 16,500 registered homestay beds available across J&K.
According to the Economic Survey, tourism has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. J&K recorded a record 2.36 crore tourist visits in 2024, compared to 1.88 crore in 2022. Despite challenges such as security incidents and natural calamities, the region still recorded 1.78 crore visits in 2025, reflecting the sector’s continued resilience. (Agency)
