In a bid to boost religious tourism in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has earmarked 75 new religious tourist locations for fostering spiritual experiences. The decision was made to bypass the tourist flow in light of the record-breaking influx of tourists from the previous year. It is important to note that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed over 1 crore tourists in the previous year.
Impact of G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting held in Srinagar:
The G-20 tourism working group meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, which was held in Srinagar, according to Shah Aabid Rashid, the Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism secretary, is a game-changer because it increased both local and foreign tourists in the valley. He added that in addition to designating tourist destinations for religious celebrations, the government has promoted 75 offbeat destinations for tourists to experience the local culture.
 Local Perspectives:
Aadil Bilal, an engineering graduate who opted to open his own cafe at the renowned tourist destination “Manasbal Lake,” claimed that the chaos and unemployment crisis earlier in his life had left him feeling confused and depressed. However, the increasing influx of tourists in recent years encouraged him to start his own business venture, and today he has several employees who are supporting him in his start-up. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the administration for revitalizing Kashmir’s tourism sector and expressed the hope that the government would continue to grow it.
Another taxi driver, Shahid Ahmad Ganaie, claimed that he had considered switching businesses owing to the frequent strikes and the decline in tourists visiting Kashmir, but none of his options were favorable because the circumstances at the time affected every industry in Kashmir. Due to his limited salary, he said that occasionally he was unable to feed his family. However, he is now comfortable with his life, has helped his siblings continue their studies, and is able to provide for his family. He also expressed gratitude to the government for bringing about this positive transformation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The people involved in the tourism sector have benefited from Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry’s revival. Shikara drivers, hoteliers, taxi drivers, owners of restaurants and cafes, and other business owners appeared to be deserted in recent years; some people working in this industry couldn’t even pay for their children’s school fees. However, now that things are bustling in the markets and the nightlife is back, people can earn more and take care of their basic amenities.
Tourism Promotion:
The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department is relentlessly promoting tourism; through a variety of channels; digital promotions and events taking place at various places across the nation are drawing tourists from all around.
