Jammu and Kashmir Sees Record Tourism Growth After Article 370 Changes
The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant growth since the abrogation of Article 370. In the first half of 2024 alone, 1.08 crore tourists visited the region, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai shared that the tourism sector has recorded an annual average growth rate of 15.13% over the past three years.
Between January and June 2024, 1,08,41,009 tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. This follows record numbers in previous years: 2,11,24,674 tourists in 2023, 1,88,64,332 in 2022, 1,13,14,884 in 2021, and 34,70,834 in 2020. The lower numbers in 2020 were attributed to the Covid pandemic.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has implemented several measures to boost tourism, including the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Policy 2020 and incentives under the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021. Homestay guidelines, the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021, and the Houseboat Policy 2020 have also been introduced. Additionally, 75 off-beat destinations have been identified, and border tourism has opened up new locations like Gurez, Keran, Teetwal, and R S Pura.
Jammu and Kashmir is also emerging as a destination for adventure and golf tourism. The region has hosted major events like the 3rd G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, further boosting its profile as an international tourist destination. Modern infrastructure and luxury hotels make it a prime location for destination weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.
Due to these initiatives, the contribution of tourism to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from 7.84% in FY 2019-20 to 8.47% in FY 2022-23.
Doubts Revealed
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in the northern part of India, known for its beautiful mountains, valleys, and lakes.
Article 370 -: Article 370 was a special law that gave Jammu and Kashmir its own constitution and autonomy. It was changed in 2019 to make the region more integrated with the rest of India.
abrogation -: Abrogation means the official ending or cancellation of a law or agreement. In this case, it refers to the ending of Article 370.
Union Minister Nityanand Rai -: Nityanand Rai is a politician in India who works for the central government. He is responsible for certain areas of administration and policy.
1.08 crore -: 1.08 crore means 10.8 million. In India, a crore is a unit of measurement equal to ten million.
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) -: Gross State Domestic Product is the total value of all goods and services produced in a state. It shows how well the state’s economy is doing.
infrastructure projects -: Infrastructure projects are big construction projects like roads, bridges, and buildings that help improve a place and make it easier for people to live and work there.
adventure tourism -: Adventure tourism is a type of travel where people do exciting activities like hiking, skiing, or rafting in natural places.