Srinagar, July 22 -- What's more, the trend is upward. From 25 lakh domestic tourists in 2020 to 2.35 crore in 2024, the boom is unmistakable. Foreign arrivals too have jumped significantly post-pandemic, from just 1,650 in 2021 to over 65,000 in 2024. It's clear that Jammu and Kashmir is back on the map for travellers, pilgrims, and adventure-seekers alike. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's data backs this optimism. Several projects worth Rs 519 crore, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, have been completed, ranging from flood rehabilitation to building tourist circuits across Srinagar, Pahalgam, Leh, and Kargil.

Yes, Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians was a big setback. Overnight, the Valley was empty of tour...