Jammu Outpaces Kashmir in Tourist Influx Over Four Years: Economic Survey 2024-25
Jammu 07 March 2025: The Economic Survey 2024-25 has revealed a dramatic disparity in tourist arrivals between Jammu and Kashmir over the past four years. Jammu has consistently outperformed Kashmir, receiving 80% more tourists during the period from 2021 to 2024. While Kashmir’s allure has historically drawn international visitors, domestic tourist numbers have been overwhelmingly higher in Jammu, largely fueled by religious tourism.
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Tourism Trends: Comparative Analysis of Jammu and Kashmir (2021-2024)
Year-by-Year Breakdown:
- 2021: Initial Gap Evident
- Jammu welcomed a staggering 1,06,50,757 tourists, compared to Kashmir’s 6,65,777 arrivals.
- The total tourist footfall in J&K reached 1,13,16,534, with Jammu accounting for the lion’s share.
- Religious tourism played a pivotal role, with destinations like Vaishno Devi contributing significantly to Jammu’s numbers.
- 2022: The Gap Widens
- Jammu saw a massive surge, hosting 1,62,10,875 tourists, while Kashmir recorded only 26,73,442 arrivals.
- The year witnessed a combined total of 1,88,84,317 tourists across J&K.
- Jammu’s dominance became even more apparent, cemented by the steady influx of domestic tourists.
- 2023: A New Milestone
- Tourist arrivals in Jammu climbed to 1,80,24,176, while Kashmir recorded 31,55,835 visitors.
- The total number of tourists in J&K peaked at 2,11,80,011, underscoring the growing appeal of the region.
- While the disparity remained, Kashmir saw a gradual increase in its numbers, particularly with global attention stemming from high-profile events like the G20 Summit.
- 2024: Continued Growth but Persistent Gap
- Jammu reached a new high with 2,00,91,379 tourists, far outpacing Kashmir’s 34,98,702 arrivals.
- These figures include 5,11,922 Amarnath yatris and 94,55,605 Vaishno Devi yatris, showcasing the significant impact of pilgrimage tourism on Jammu’s numbers.
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Foreign Tourist Influx: Kashmir Leads the Way While domestic tourist arrivals overwhelmingly favored Jammu, Kashmir emerged as the preferred destination for foreign visitors:
- In 2021, Kashmir attracted 1,614 foreign tourists, compared to only 36 in Jammu.
- This gap widened significantly in 2022, with Kashmir receiving 19,947 foreign tourists versus Jammu’s 38.
- By 2023, Kashmir saw a remarkable increase to 37,678 foreign arrivals, while Jammu hosted 17,649 foreign visitors.
- In 2024, Kashmir recorded 43,654 foreign tourists, surpassing Jammu’s 21,798.
These figures indicate a more than 300% increase in foreign tourist footfall over the four years, highlighting Kashmir’s growing international appeal.
Key Highlights of J&K Tourism (2021-2024)
- Religious Tourism: A Pillar of Jammu’s Success
- The Vaishno Devi shrine continues to be the cornerstone of Jammu’s tourism, drawing millions annually.
- In 2024 alone, 94,55,605 devotees visited Vaishno Devi, while the Amarnath yatra attracted 5,11,922 pilgrims, contributing substantially to the region’s overall footfall.
- G20 Summit Boost: Spotlight on Kashmir
- The 3rd Tourism Working Meeting of the G20, held in Srinagar from May 22 to 24, 2023, brought Kashmir into the global spotlight.
- The event showcased the region’s tourism potential, positioning it as a premier destination for international visitors.
- Cultural and Entertainment Events
- The first-ever Sunburn Musical Festival in Jammu attracted young crowds and injected fresh energy into the region’s tourism scene.
- Srinagar hosted the inaugural F4 car show, captivating automobile enthusiasts and promoting Kashmir’s vibrant cultural landscape.
- Rise of Eco and Adventure Tourism
- Kashmir remains a hub for adventure and eco-tourism, offering activities like trekking, skiing, and river rafting.
- The scenic beauty of destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg continues to draw nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Infrastructure and Connectivity Improvements
- Efforts to improve road and air connectivity, such as the expansion of Jammu Airport and enhanced flight services to Srinagar, have played a crucial role in boosting tourist numbers.
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Challenges and Opportunities
For Kashmir:
- Challenges:
- The region’s dependence on foreign tourists makes it vulnerable to global economic and political fluctuations.
- Security concerns continue to influence the perception of Kashmir as a safe travel destination, affecting domestic arrivals.
- Opportunities:
- Leveraging international attention from the G20 Summit can help position Kashmir as a year-round tourist destination.
- Investing in cultural tourism, alongside eco and adventure tourism, can diversify its appeal.
For Jammu:
- Challenges:
- While religious tourism dominates, there is a need to diversify offerings to attract non-pilgrim tourists.
- Limited focus on international tourism leaves room for improvement in catering to global travelers.
- Opportunities:
- Expanding cultural events like the Sunburn Festival can help attract younger audiences and promote Jammu as more than just a pilgrimage destination.
- Enhanced marketing efforts can further capitalize on Jammu’s unique attractions, such as its forts and cultural sites.
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Future Outlook
The government’s continued focus on infrastructure, coupled with landmark events and strategic initiatives, paints an optimistic picture for Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector. However, reducing the gap in tourist arrivals between Jammu and Kashmir will require targeted investments, innovative marketing, and consistent efforts to address security and perception challenges.
Bottom-Line: The Economic Survey 2024-25 serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in tourist arrivals between Jammu and Kashmir, yet it also highlights the immense potential of the region. By addressing existing challenges and leveraging its unique strengths, both Jammu and Kashmir can continue to thrive as premier tourist destinations.
