Jammu, June 14: The scenic attractions of the Jammu region have emerged as highly sought-after destinations, witnessing a significant influx of tourists from both across the country and abroad. In the first four months of this year, approximately 5.3 million tourists explored the picturesque hotspots of the region.
Among the popular destinations in the Jammu region, Bhaderwah, Patnitop, Sanasar, Mansar, and Surinsar stood out as favorites among visitors. Official sources revealed that from January to April, a record-breaking 5.269 million tourists flocked to various parts of the Jammu region.
“The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine attracted the highest number of tourists, contributing to the manifold increase in tourist inflow to the Jammu region,” stated official sources. They further added that during the first five months of the year, 3.847 million pilgrims visited the revered shrine. Apart from pilgrimage tourism, the Jammu region is renowned for its leisure tourism, adventure tourism, health and wellness tourism, border tourism, and much more.
In the first four months alone, a total of 5,269,473 domestic tourists and 43 foreign tourists/pilgrims visited the Jammu region, with April witnessing the highest footfall. The breakdown of visitor numbers reveals that in January, 932,890 domestic tourists and three foreigners visited, while in February, 737,954 domestic tourists and five foreigners explored the region. In March, the numbers rose to 1,645,231 domestic tourists and 23 foreigners, and in April, 1,657,399 domestic tourists and seven foreigners were recorded.
To attract more tourists to the Jammu region, the Directorate of Jammu Tourism plans to enhance adventure sports, including paragliding. The department has invited applications for professional training in handling adventure sports activities.
During a function in Basohli on June 5, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, the Administrative Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, expressed the department’s commitment to promoting Basohli as a major tourist destination. Efforts will be made to position Basohli prominently on the global tourist map, equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure. Dr. Shah assured that the Tourism Department, with the assistance of initiatives like ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and other schemes by the Union Tourism Ministry, will address critical areas of improvement.
