Srinagar, Dec 24 (KNO): Kashmir is all set to achieve a significant tourism milestone, with Director Tourism, Raja Yaqoob Farooq stating that the tourist footfall is touching 3 million till Dec 20, amidst the growing foreign tourist arrival.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event at Gulmarg, the Director as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the region is expected to host 3 million visitors by the end of 2024, a 10% increase compared to last year's 2.7 million.
He revealed that foreign visitors to Kashmir have already reached 43,000 this year, compared to 37,000 in the same period last year. “Last year, we had around 37,000 foreign tourists in Kashmir. This year, we have already recorded 43,000 foreign arrivals as of December 20, including 1,000 in just the past four days,” he said.
He attributed this growth to a combination of factors, including improved law and order over the past 4-5 years, enhanced infrastructure and strategic publicity efforts particularly following the G20 events.
“Our focus is on promoting high-end and high-value tourism while ensuring there is no ecological imbalance. All relevant departments will be sensitized and involved in safeguarding the region’s environmental integrity,” he said while replying to a query.
Pertinently, the tourism sector is witnessing a boom in the Valley with a record number of tourists visiting the picturesque places.
In the last two years, the valley has welcomed tourists in record numbers. Overall the two years have witnessed tourist arrivals of 53.8 lakhs – 27.1 lakh in 2023 (including 4.5 lakh Amarnath pilgrims) and 26.7 lakh in 2022—(KNO)