Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has highlighted a significant increase in tourism in Kashmir in the post-COVID period

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced a significant increase in tourism in the Kashmir region, with more than a 15 percent rise in footfalls since the end of the pandemic. He made this announcement at the 25th Annual National Convention of the Tourist Guides Federation of India, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

During his address, Minister Shekhawat highlighted the overall boom in domestic tourism across India following the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for the tourism industry to prepare for the growing volume of tourists, ensuring that infrastructure and services can meet this increased demand.

Shekhawat pointed out that popular tourist destinations are experiencing a huge influx of visitors. To manage this surge, he stressed the importance of promoting “virgin and offbeat destinations” to both domestic and international tourists. He specifically mentioned the growing interest in lavender cultivation in South Kashmir, which has attracted over 2.5 million visitors recently, eager to witness the stunning lavender fields.

Following the convention, Minister Shekhawat presided over a review meeting with the Department of Tourism in Kashmir, where he was briefed on various ongoing and completed tourism-related projects. This review included discussions on how to further enhance the tourism experience in the region.

On this occasion, Shekhawat also released the first edition of the Department of Tourism J&K’s newsletter, J&K Vista, aimed at providing updates and information about tourism initiatives and developments in Jammu and Kashmir.