Kashmir has been witnessing a gradual increase in the number of foreign tourist arrivals following abrogation of Article 370 in August, 2019.
Sources within the Tourism Department said that 30647 foreign tourists have visited the Valley since January this year.
“This year, the number of foreign tourists to the valley has swelled as more than 30647 foreigners have visited the valley till now,” an official privy to the development told Kashmir News Observer.
As per the officials, the valley this year has received bulk tourists from the regions including Europe, Thailand, Malaysia and the Middle East.
“Apart from the domestic travel fairs, we are going to participate in international travel trade marts to promote Kashmir tourism. Moreover, 75 new offbeat destinations are also coming up primarily to attract foreign tourists,” an official of tourism department said.
“This year we have witnessed an increase in foreign tourist arrivals. This has happened post-G20 summit, as a strong message went to foreign countries that Kashmir is safe for tourists. Right now, travel agents are also individually in touch with foreign associations to promote Kashmir,” said the President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo.
“Travel agents have also floated their packages, which include various services of adventure and offbeat trips to lure foreign tourists. Similarly, hoteliers too are contributing to provide services of international standard to the tourists to make their stay in Kashmir a memorable one,” he added.
Kuthoo hoped that the travel advisories by many countries would also be lifted to further promote Kashmir as an international tourism destination.
