The year 2021 witnessed a large footfall of tourists, both national and international, due to numerous positive and constructive interventions of the Central Government in accordance with the government of Jammu And Kashmir.
Several remarkable initiatives were undertaken across the length and breadth of the Union Territory to rejuvenate the dwindling economic landscape, which was affected due to the relentless wrath of Covid-19.
In one such major intervention for the upliftment of the tourism sector in J&K, the Union government made a record budget allocation of 786 crores in the budget for the tourism sector here, which is 509 crores higher than the last budgetary allocation with an intent to boost tourism and allied services of Jammu and Kashmir.
In commensuration with this, the government of J&K has also undertaken several initiatives to give further stimulus and impetus to the tourism sector here.
In a mega push to promote ecotourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has approved the development of seven new trekking routes in various wildlife protected areas. In addition, under a common brand and logo, the decision will allow the online booking of 29 forest rest houses and inspection huts in the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
The first night flight has started operating from Srinagar Airport on March 18, 2021, marking the dawn of a new era and indicating improvement in air connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.
Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, also launched the golf training Academy at Kashmir Golf Course in July 2021 to promote and strengthen the sports ecosystem in the union territory. This is a giant step forward for restoring the historic golf course after the 2014 floods.
A four day JK open golf tournament was also organized in Kashmir on September 15 2021, to attract large numbers of golf lovers and make Jammu and Kashmir the golfing capital of the world.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has picked Srinagar among 49 cities as part of the creative city network under the Crafts and Folk arts category. This inclusion is likely to pave the way for the city to represent its handicrafts on the global stage through UNESCO. It is a major recognition for Jammu and Kashmir on a global platform.
Worth mentioning that Jammu And Kashmir recorded the highest tourist footfall in the last seven years. Tourist footfall crossed 6.65 lakh in 2021 compared to 4.1 lakh in 2020. In addition, 1.27 lakh tourists were recorded in November, the highest from the past decade.
