Srinagar, Sept 15,– BJP spokesperson Manzoor Bhat criticized the National Conference government for its failure to revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Bhat highlighted the significant progress made in the tourism sector under PM Narendra Modi and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
Bhat said The tourism sector is the economic lifeblood of Kashmir, supporting hoteliers, shikaras houseboat owners, and young entrepreneurs. Right now, everyone is deeply worried. Financial conditions have plummeted, and people are struggling. Some took out loans to renovate their hotels, even mortgaging their homes, and were once providing employment to dozens of families. Now, they can barely support a few. Young people who financed cars to transport tourists are also suffering. One young man’s mother has cancer, and he’s struggling to pay the car installments and afford her treatment. It’s a very difficult situation.”
According to the Spokesperson Manzoor Bhat said from 2020 to 2024, Kashmir welcomed over 76,000 crore visitors, including 1.47 lakh foreign tourists. In September 2024, around 1 lakh tourists, including 3,500 foreign visitors, arrived.
In September 2025, the figures stand at 9,000 tourists, with 406 foreign visitors.
Bhat strongly condemns the irresponsible remarks made by National Conference leaders on the issue of tourism in Kashmir. Recently, Dr. Farooq Abdullah stated at a marriage function that Kashmir needs a “tourism revival.” This statement is not only misleading but ironic — given that during the tenure of Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister, when the Tourism Department was under his government, there was absolute failure to promote and revive the sector.
The BJP has requested the Lieutenant Governor to convene a security review meeting to reopen key tourist destinations like Doodhpathri and Drang with enhanced safety measures. The party reiterated its commitment to making Jammu & Kashmir a global tourism hub, ensuring peace, prosperity, and dignity for all citizens.
