Lok Sabha Question No. 4748 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-23
Subject: Decline in Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4748 ANSWERED ON 23.03.2020

## DECLINE IN TOURISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR

## 4748. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that total tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced by 84% in October, 2019;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) the plans of the Government to boost tourism in the said State in the coming months; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) & (b): As  per  the  data  received  from  Jammu  and  Kashmir  UT Administration, number of guest checked in the areas under Jammu and Kashmir Divisions during August, 2019 to October, 2019 are as under:

| Period          |   No. of guests checked in |
|-----------------|----------------------------|
| August, 2019    |                    1008748 |
| September, 2019 |                    1123931 |
| October, 2019   |                    1277673 |

The  above  data  shows  that  there  was  no  decline  in  October, 2019  as  compared  to  September,  2019.  However,  Ministry  of Tourism,  Government  of  India  has  not  made  any  specific  study regarding decline in tourism in J& K or the reasons thereon.

(c) & (d): Development of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the  concerned  State  Government/Union  Territory  Administration. However,  Ministry of Tourism, Government  of  India under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and Assistance to Central Agencies, provides central financial assistance to State Governments/Union  Territories/Central  Agencies  including  Jammu and  Kashmir  UT  for  development  of  tourism  related  infrastructure and facilities to boost tourism.

Besides,    Ministry      of      Tourism,       Government       of India celebrated Paryatan Parv in October, 2019 and    Bharat Parv in  January,  2020 during  which, tourism destinations/products   of various States/UTs including Jammu & Kashmir were promoted.

As per the information received from Jammu and Kashmir UT Administration,  various  steps  have  been  taken  by  them  to  boost tourism some of which are given below:

1. Various  promotional  campaigns  have  been  launched  at National  Level  to  attract  maximum  number  of  domestic tourists.
2. For  wide  Publicity,  a  comprehensive  campaign  has  been launched through various prominent national newspapers & Magazines.
3. The  J&K  Tourism  Department  has  participated  in  various National & International travel marts like the World Travel Mart,  London,  Annul  Convention  of  Indian  Association  of Tour Operators (IATO), SATTE Delhi India Travel Mart (ITM), Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) etc. for promotion of tourism at National & Global level.
4. Publicity through LEDs at various Airports, Railway Stations,  besides  installing  hoardings,  BQs/  Billboards  at various prominent locations in Delhi and other places.
5. Promotional  campaign  has  been  started  by  way  of  train wraps in various trains running across the country.
6. Road  shows  through  stakeholders  are  also  organized  in various cities to promote Tourism in J&K.
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