Despite Pahalgam Attack, J&K Records 1.77 Crore Tourists in 2025; 36,410 Foreign Visitors
Despite Pahalgam attack last year, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a total of 1.77 crore tourist arrivals in 2025, including over 36,000 international visitors
Replying to Starred Assembly Question No. 753 raised by MLA Hasnain Masoodi, the Tourism Department said that from January 1 to December 31, 2025, a total of 1,77,65,390 tourists visited the Union Territory. Of these, 36,410 were international tourists while 1,77,28,980 were domestic visitors.
The government further clarified that no specific targets have been fixed for tourist arrivals in 2026. However, it stated that sustained and concrete efforts are underway to enhance both domestic and international tourist inflow through promotional campaigns and developmental initiatives.
On the issue of resumption of international flights from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, to destinations such as Dubai, Jeddah and London, the department, according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, said the airport is fully equipped with the required infrastructure to handle international operations, including immigration, customs, security and passenger services.
However, it noted that the commencement of international flights depends on the operational and commercial decisions of respective airlines. The airport remains prepared to facilitate such services whenever airlines decide to resume them.
Responding to a query regarding the Home Stay Programme, the Tourism Department described it as largely successful. It said the programme has contributed to increased accommodation capacity, local employment generation and greater community participation in the tourism sector.
The department added that it plans to extend the Home Stay Programme to other potential areas. It acknowledged challenges such as lack of awareness, capacity constraints and infrastructure-related issues, stating that these are being addressed through awareness drives, capacity-building initiatives and coordination with concerned departments for infrastructure support. (KDC)
