 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 15: Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta lauded the unprecedented surge in tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, attributing it to the visionary and pro-people policies of the Narendra Modi-led government. He stated that the abrogation of Article 370 has unlocked new avenues for economic and infrastructural development, leading to an all-time high in tourist footfall in the region.
In a press release issued here today, the senior BJP leader referred to a recent report presented by the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, which highlighted that over the last decade, more than 15.3 crore tourists have visited J&K. He noted that the statistics before and after August 5, 2019, clearly indicate a positive shift. "From 2015 to 2019, tourism in J&K showed an upward trend, with visits rising from 1.33 crore in 2015 to 1.69 crore in 2018. After the brief decline due to COVID-19 in 2020, the sector witnessed a strong recovery, reaching 2.36 crore visits in 2024," he stated.
Kavinder Gupta emphasized that the introduction of the Home Stay Policy 2022 has revolutionized the hospitality sector, allowing residential houses to be converted into homestays, thereby generating alternative income sources and employment opportunities. Currently, 2,302 homestays are registered across J&K, providing tourists with unique and affordable lodging options while benefiting local communities.
Highlighting the government's focus on skill development, he mentioned various training programs aimed at empowering the youth in tourism-related services such as hospitality, adventure tourism, and local craftsmanship. "J&K is not just about scenic beauty; it is now a hub for adventure tourism, including trekking, skiing, river rafting, and mountain biking, which have created vast employment opportunities for local guides and entrepreneurs," he added.
"The Modi government has provided a new lease of life to J&K's tourism and allied industries. The surge in tourist arrivals is a testament to the peaceful and progressive environment that has been fostered post-Article 370 abrogation. The focus now is on positioning J&K as a world-class tourism destination, ensuring sustainable economic growth for local communities," he asserted.
The former deputy Chief Minister urged the Modi Govt to continue developing a comprehensive roadmap to further enhance the tourist experience, attract global visitors, and maximize the socio-economic benefits of the tourism sector for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. |
