In a recent announcement, the government revealed that Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) attracted more than 1.7 crore tourists in 2025, including approximately 36,000 international visitors. The tourism department shared these figures in response to a question from Hasnain Masoodi, a member of the legislative assembly. The total number of tourists recorded from January 1 to December 31, 2025, stands at 1,77,65,390. Among these, international travelers accounted for 36,410, while domestic visitors numbered 1,77,28,980.
Tourism Targets for 2026 Not Established
When asked about targets for tourist numbers in 2026, the government clarified that no specific targets have been set for both international and domestic arrivals. Instead, they emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance tourist inflow through various promotional and developmental initiatives aimed at boosting current numbers.
International Flight Operations and Airport Facilities
On the topic of international flights from the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, the government affirmed that the airport is well-equipped to handle these operations. It possesses the necessary infrastructure, including facilities for immigration, customs, and passenger handling. However, the commencement of international flights will depend on the operational and commercial decisions made by the airlines. The government asserted that the airport is always ready to facilitate international operations when airlines opt to begin them.
Home Stay Initiative Success and Challenges
The government’s Home Stay initiative has reportedly been successful, contributing to increased accommodation capacity, local employment generation, and enhanced community participation in tourism. Due to its positive effects, officials indicated plans to expand the program to additional areas exhibiting potential for tourism growth.
Nonetheless, the initiative faces several challenges, including a lack of awareness about the program, capacity constraints, and infrastructure-related issues. The government is actively working to address these challenges through awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and collaboration with concerned departments for infrastructure support.
