Surge in foreign tourist arrivals in J&K, Ladakh: Ministry of Tourism

New Delhi, March 10: Foreign tourist visits to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh saw a rise in 2023. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir welcomed 55,337 foreign visitors in 2023, marking an almost threefold increase from 19,985 in 2022. Ladakh, known for its stunning landscapes and adventure tourism, also saw foreign tourist arrivals nearly double, from 21,259 in 2022 to 40,970 in 2023. The overall rise in foreign tourist arrivals across India is attributed to multiple initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote the country as a prime travel destination, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Tourism.

In 2023, India recorded a total of 19.25 million foreign tourist visits, a substantial increase from 8.58 million in 2022. This surge highlights India’s growing appeal as a global tourism hotspot.

These increasing numbers can be credited to various government initiatives, including infrastructure development under schemes such as ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD,’ international marketing campaigns like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Chalo India,’ and enhanced digital outreach through the Incredible India Content Hub. To further boost international tourism, India has expanded its e-Visa program to 167 countries, improving accessibility for travellers across various categories, including e-Tourist, e-Medical, and e-Business visas. Additionally, collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the RCS-UDAN scheme has strengthened air connectivity to key tourist destinations, enhancing travel convenience. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with their breathtaking landscapes, adventure sports, and rich cultural heritage, have increasingly become must-visit destinations for global travellers. The sharp increase in foreign tourist arrivals highlights the effectiveness of India’s tourism initiatives and the growing appeal of these Himalayan regions on the world tourism map.