Srinagar, Dec 09 (KNO): Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed a significant surge in foreign tourist visits over the last five years, the Ministry of Tourism said in the Lok Sabha.
As per the data, Jammu and Kashmir according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) recorded a steep increase in Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) from 5,317 in 2020 to 65,452 in 2024—reflecting a strong post-pandemic recovery.
Ladakh UT also registered a substantial rise with 1,126 foreign tourist visits in 2020 to 39,704 in 2024.
Officials said that the upward trend indicates renewed global interest in both UTs, supported by improved connectivity, upgraded tourist facilities and targeted promotion at international platforms.
The ministry confirmed that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were among the Union Territories represented in India’s delegation at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London, where tourism products, adventure circuits and cultural experiences from the Himalayan region were showcased to global buyers.
“National and international tourist arrivals crossed 205 lakh in 2024, surpassing pre-Covid levels, with tourism contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and employment generation,” the ministry said—(KNO)