Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Achieves Historic Milestone with 1.77 Crore Visitors in 2025
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir experienced an extraordinary surge in tourism during 2025, welcoming a staggering 1,77,65,390 visitors throughout the year. This remarkable figure was officially disclosed by the tourism department in a written response presented to the legislative assembly on Saturday.
Detailed Breakdown of Tourist Inflow
In reply to a starred question posed by MLA Hasnain Masoodi, the government provided a comprehensive statistical breakdown. The data reveals that the overwhelming majority of tourists were domestic travelers, numbering 1,77,28,980. International tourism also showed significant presence, with 36,410 foreign visitors exploring the region's renowned landscapes and cultural heritage.
Government's Forward-Looking Strategy Without Fixed Targets
When questioned about establishing specific numerical targets for domestic and international tourist arrivals in 2026, the government clarified its strategic approach. "No specific targets have been fixed by the tourism department," the official reply stated. However, authorities emphasized their commitment to growth, noting that "sustained and concrete efforts are being made to enhance tourist inflow, both domestic and international, over the existing numbers through various promotional and developmental initiatives."
Srinagar Airport Fully Equipped for International Operations
A significant focus of the assembly discussion was the status of international air connectivity. The government confirmed that the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is operationally ready, possessing all necessary infrastructure to handle international flights. This includes fully functional immigration, customs, security protocols, and passenger handling facilities.
"The commencement of international flights is subject to the operational and commercial decisions of the respective airlines," the statement explained. "The airport remains fully prepared at all times to facilitate international flight operations as and when airlines decide to commence them."
Home Stay Initiative: A Success Story with Expansion Plans
The government's Home Stay initiative received positive assessment in the report. Officials highlighted that the program has successfully increased accommodation capacity across the region, generated substantial local employment opportunities, and fostered greater community participation in the tourism sector.
"Given its positive impact, the programme is likely to be expanded to other potential areas," the government announced, signaling confidence in the model's effectiveness.
Addressing Challenges in Tourism Infrastructure
Despite the overall success, the tourism department acknowledged several persistent challenges facing the Home Stay initiative and broader sector development. Primary issues identified include:
- Lack of widespread awareness about available programs and facilities
- Capacity constraints in handling peak tourist seasons
- Infrastructure-related limitations in remote areas
The government outlined its multi-pronged approach to address these concerns, which involves:
- Comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders
- Capacity-building initiatives for tourism service providers
- Enhanced coordination with relevant departments for infrastructure support
This detailed legislative response underscores Jammu & Kashmir's transformation into a premier tourism destination while transparently addressing both achievements and areas requiring continued attention. The record-breaking 2025 numbers reflect successful promotion combined with improving infrastructure, setting a strong foundation for future growth in the sector.
