Srinagar, July 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a remarkable surge in foreign tourist arrivals after hosting the successful G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting from May 22 to May 25. 

Addressing the press conference, Sinha emphasized that this event has proven to be a game-changer for the region's tourism sector, with a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals observed in the post-G-20 meeting period. 

Participants from various countries have been spreading positive messages about Jammu and Kashmir in their home countries, further contributing to this upward trend. This surge in foreign tourist arrivals is expected to continue in the coming months, promising a substantial boost to Jammu and Kashmir's tourism industry.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, the first six months of 2023 have witnessed a notable footfall of international tourists in the Kashmir Valley, with approximately 15,000 foreign tourists visiting the region. This figure surpasses the total number of foreign visitors in 2022, which was approximately 4,000. The government remains optimistic about the continuation of this upward trend and anticipates breaking all previous records of foreign tourist visits.

The positive transformation in Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector can be attributed to a series of strategic efforts undertaken by the government to promote tourism in the region. The hosting of the G-20 meeting in Srinagar in May brought together ambassadors and delegates from 17 countries, with a specific focus on boosting tourism in the area.

Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Tourism, shared, "To expand its reach, the government is now planning international promotions, with a special focus on Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and North American countries." Recognizing the changing times, the tourism department is adapting its promotional methods by incorporating digital marketing and virtual tours to attract potential visitors.

Once a favorite destination for foreign tourists in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the Kashmir Valley suffered a significant decline in visitor numbers due to insurgency. However, with peace restored to the region, the valley is once again attracting tourists, living up to its nickname, "Paradise on Earth."

This resurgence in tourism not only bodes well for the economy of Jammu and Kashmir but also serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage that the Kashmir Valley has to offer.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha expressed, "We are taking various steps to promote tourism in Kashmir. We are starting virtual tours and offering special promotions for frequent flyers. Additionally, we will participate in international travel marts, such as the one in Dubai, which received a positive response. Our main focus is on attracting tourists from Southeast Asian countries, the Middle East, and North America."

As peace and tranquillity prevail in the region, foreign tourists are once again flocking to Kashmir to experience the beauty of this unparalleled "Paradise on Earth."