Domestic travellers account for nearly 95% of all tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir, while foreign visitors make up the remaining 5%, according to Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad.
Sajad said the Union Territory continues to witness strong tourism growth, with domestic tourists remaining the primary driver of the sector. Although foreign tourist arrivals declined temporarily due to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, he noted that international visitor numbers are gradually recovering.
He said the Tourism Department is preparing a long-term strategy focused on sustainable tourism development, balancing infrastructure expansion with environmental conservation. The government is consulting tourism stakeholders, industry representatives and local officials across Jammu and Kashmir to develop a roadmap that supports growth while protecting the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of responsible development, Sajad said environmental protection must remain central to tourism planning, suggesting that the loss of one tree for development should be offset by planting ten new trees. He added that tourism and education departments are also promoting afforestation and awareness initiatives.
Expressing optimism about the sector’s future, Sajad said continued improvements in infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration and sustainability measures are expected to strengthen tourism’s contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.