JAMMU: The government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that over 1.62 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir so far in 2025, with the administration pursuing a structured roadmap for sustained revival and growth of the tourism sector.
Replying to a question tabled by MLA Javid Hassan Baig, the Tourism Department said that tourist data is maintained destination-wise and comparative figures for the last three years, along with pre-2019 data, have been compiled.
As per the figures placed before the House, the Jammu division recorded 1,62,35,036 visitors in 2025 (till date), while the Kashmir division recorded 4,77,882 visitors, taking the combined total to over 1.67 crore.
In 2024, Jammu division recorded 2,00,91,379 tourists, while Kashmir division saw 98,19,841 visitors. In 2023, the figures stood at 1,80,24,166 in Jammu and 96,33,972 in Kashmir.
Among major destinations in Kashmir in 2025, Gulmarg recorded 1,10,728 visitors, Pahalgam 1,00,236, and Sonamarg 4,87,638. Doodhpathri saw 1,27,919 visitors, while Kokernag recorded 6,12,235 footfalls.
In Jammu division, major pilgrim destinations continued to draw large numbers. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi recorded over 69.32 lakh visitors in 2025, while Shiv Khori saw over 10.56 lakh visitors. Other destinations including Patnitop, Mansar Lake, Bhaderwah, Sanasar and Surinsar Lake also registered steady tourist arrivals.
The government said tourism remains one of the key pillars of J&K’s economy, providing direct and indirect employment to hotel owners, transporters, tour guides, artisans, small traders and other stakeholders.
To restore confidence among tourists and counter negative perceptions, the department said it has strengthened security arrangements at tourist locations, improved road connectivity and civic amenities, upgraded tourism infrastructure and intensified promotional campaigns at national and international levels. Familiarization (FAM) tours for travel operators, influencers and media representatives are also being organised.
The government further stated that a phased roadmap is being implemented focusing on infrastructure upgradation, improved connectivity, expansion of accommodation facilities including homestays, strengthening of tourism development authorities and skill development for local youth.
Special emphasis is being laid on diversification through the promotion of pilgrimage tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism and winter tourism to generate employment and ensure inclusive economic growth across the Union Territory.
