Srinagar, Jul 20 (KNO): The Central Government on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that tourism employment in Jammu and Kashmir has increased from an estimated 10.42 lakh in 2021-22 to 10.78 lakh in 2025, while reiterating that the identification, development and promotion of tourism destinations remain a continuous process undertaken primarily by the Union Territory Administration with support from the Ministry of Tourism.
Replying to an unstarred question by MP Jugal Kishore, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Ministry compiles tourist arrival data received from the respective State and Union Territory administrations, and such data is available only at the State/UT level.
According to the data shared in Parliament, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 113.15 lakh domestic tourist visits (DTVs) and 0.02 lakh foreign tourist visits (FTVs) in 2021. The figures rose to 184.99 lakh DTVs and 0.20 lakh FTVs in 2022, 206.79 lakh DTVs and 0.55 lakh FTVs in 2023, and 230.13 lakh DTVs and 0.65 lakh FTVs in 2024. In 2025, the UT registered 177.29 lakh domestic tourist visits and 0.36 lakh foreign tourist visits, reflecting a decline of 22.96 per cent in domestic and 44.62 per cent in foreign tourist visits over the previous year.
The Minister said no specific formal study has been conducted to assess tourism's economic impact in Jammu and Kashmir. However, based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey, the Ministry has estimated tourism employment in the UT at 10.42 lakh in 2021-22 and 10.78 lakh in 2025.
On the development of new tourism circuits, the Centre said the responsibility primarily rests with the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration, while the Ministry supports these efforts through central sector schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD.
The government also informed the House that steps have been taken to strengthen tourist safety and convenience by encouraging the deployment of dedicated Tourism Police. It added that digital initiatives include the revamped Incredible India Digital Portal, offering curated travel content, real-time weather and event updates, AI-based personalised services and integrated booking facilities. The Centre further said the e-Visa facility is available to nationals of 174 countries through 33 airports, 35 seaports and four land ports—(KNO)