SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir experienced a notable decrease in both domestic and foreign tourist footfall in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data presented to the Rajya Sabha by the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Jammu and Kashmir recorded 1.77 crore domestic tourist visits in 2025, a decline from 2.30 crore in 2024. Foreign tourist arrivals also saw a substantial drop, falling to 36,410 in 2025 from 65,452 in 2024. These figures represent a decrease of approximately 23 percent in domestic tourism and 44 percent in foreign tourism for the Union Territory.
Despite the downturn in 2025, the number of domestic tourist visits remained higher than the 2.07 crore recorded in 2023. The data further reveals a consistent upward trend in tourist arrivals in the years preceding 2024. In 2021, Jammu and Kashmir had welcomed 1.13 crore domestic and 1,650 foreign tourists. This figure climbed to 1.85 crore domestic and 19,985 foreign visits in 2022, and further rose to 2.07 crore domestic and 55,337 foreign visitors in 2023.
In a separate but related trend, the Union Territory of Ladakh also witnessed a decline in tourist numbers in 2025. Domestic tourist visits to Ladakh stood at 3.04 lakh, down from 3.37 lakh in 2024. Foreign tourist arrivals in Ladakh also decreased to 32,034 from 39,704 during the same period. Ladakh’s domestic tourist numbers have been on a downward trajectory since 2022, with 5.10 lakh visits, and 4.89 lakh in 2023. However, foreign tourist visits to Ladakh saw a significant increase from 1,054 in 2021 to a peak of 39,704 in 2024 before the reported decline in 2025.
At the national level, the tourism sector demonstrated robust growth. Domestic tourist visits across India surged from 67.76 crore in 2021 to 428.71 crore in 2025. Foreign tourist arrivals also saw a substantial increase, rising from 10.55 lakh to 252.73 lakh over the same five-year period. In 2025, Jammu and Kashmir accounted for approximately 4.1 percent of all domestic tourist visits nationwide, while Ladakh’s share was about 0.07 percent.
The Union Ministry of Tourism highlighted that the tourism sector contributes significantly to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for 5.22 percent based on the last available Tourism Satellite Account. The ministry stated that preparations are underway to compile the latest Tourism Satellite Account for a more current assessment.
Employment figures within the tourism sector across the country have also seen positive growth. Tourism-related employment rose from 6.94 crore in 2019-20 to 8.46 crore in 2023-24, according to data derived from the Periodic Labour Force Survey. Earlier figures showed employment at 6.81 crore in 2020-21, increasing to 7 crore in 2021-22 and further to 7.62 crore in 2022-23.
The ministry outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism-related employment. These include the Capacity Building of Service Providers scheme, which offers skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling programmes in the tourism and hospitality industry. Additionally, the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme is focused on developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, fostering job creation and self-employment opportunities for local communities, and enhancing the skill sets of local youth.
Foreign exchange earnings from tourism also saw a significant increase, growing from Rs 63,978 crore in 2021 to Rs 2,93,033 crore in 2024. A slight decrease was noted in 2025, with earnings amounting to Rs 2,76,831 crore.
The Ministry of Tourism attributed fluctuations in tourist arrivals to a combination of factors, including evolving tourist preferences and the prevailing visa regime. The government’s efforts in improving air connectivity, enhancing tourism infrastructure, implementing extensive domestic and international marketing campaigns, and promoting India as a diverse and culturally rich destination have also played a role in supporting tourism growth.
Further support for tourism infrastructure is being provided through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, the PRASHAD scheme, and financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development by Central Agencies. The ministry also pointed to promotional campaigns like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Chalo India,’ alongside the promotion of specialized tourism segments such as wellness, culinary, rural, and eco-tourism, as contributing factors.
The ministry also informed that e-visa facilities are currently available to nationals of 174 countries, accessible through 33 designated airports, 35 seaports, and four land ports across the country.
The Chenab Times News Desk