Srinagar, February 4
Tourism continues to be a major pillar of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, with the Union Territory recording 1.78 crore tourist visits in 2025, despite security-related incidents and natural calamities.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha earlier this week said the sustained inflow reflects improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and focused policy interventions aimed at strengthening the sector.
Addressing members of the Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the budget session, Sinha said tourism has been accorded industry status to attract investment and generate employment, marking a significant step toward formalising and expanding the sector. He added that the administration is working to promote year-round tourism by developing new attractions and diversifying offerings across regions.
One such initiative is the opening of Bagh-e-Gul-e Dawood, Kashmir's first Chrysanthemum Garden, inaugurated for tourists in October 2025. With more than 50 varieties of flowers, the garden is expected to draw visitors during the autumn season, complementing the Tulip Garden that attracts tourists each spring.
Beyond new infrastructure and destinations, the revival of traditional experiences continues to define Kashmir's tourism appeal.
In Gulmarg, the iconic sledge ride remains one of the most popular winter attractions. The downhill ride on handcrafted wooden sledges, expertly guided by local men dressed in traditional winter attire, offers visitors an authentic thrill powered purely by gravity, snow, and skill - without any artificial machinery.
For many tourists, the simplicity and raw excitement of the sledge ride, set against Gulmarg's snow-covered slopes, becomes a highlight of their visit. "It was my first time, and I really enjoyed it. Witnessing this snow is amazing--one should visit at least once. We have made lifetime memories through photos and videos," said Sanjana, a tourist.
The sledge ride is also a crucial source of livelihood for local communities. Irshad Ahmad, a sledge rider, said nearly 1,600 to 1,700 people earn their living from tourism activities in Gulmarg alone. "Many families depend on sledge rides during winter. The whole of Kashmir is dependent on tourism," he said, underlining how traditional tourism supports economic survival in harsh weather conditions.
The Lieutenant Governor said the administration has placed special emphasis on reviving pilgrim tourism in Jammu, promoting adventure tourism in Kashmir, and encouraging eco-tourism in tribal and border areas to ensure balanced regional growth. Confidence-building measures, improved tourist facilitation, and better coordination with stakeholders have helped maintain tourist flow even during challenging periods.
A major boost to tourism and economic activity has come from railway connectivity to Kashmir, described by Sinha as a historic milestone. A full-fledged railway division has been sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir, while expansion and modernisation work at the Jammu-Tawi railway station is underway.
The government is also planning a major project focused on the sustainable development of emerging tourist destinations through public and private sector participation, aiming to create new tourism hubs while protecting the environment and generating local employment.
Officials note that since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, policy implementation has become more streamlined, with a strong focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and investment-led growth.
- ANI
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