India, Feb. 3 -- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said 1.78 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 despite security-related incidents and natural calamities.

"Tourism continues to be a vital pillar of the economy. Last year, 1.78 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir despite security-related incidents and natural calamities," he said, addressing the Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the Budget Session.

He said tourism has been accorded industry status to attract investment and employment. Highlighting the opening of the Chrysanthemum Garden, Bagh-e-Gul-e Dawood, he said it will position Kashmir as a year-round destination, especially during the autumn season. Special focus, he added, is being laid on pilgr...