Kashmir has been ranked second best summer tourist destination in India.
According to Summer Vacation Index 2023, 82% of Indians are intending to travel to Kashmir during summer. 92 percent are planning to explore domestic destinations.
The survey was conducted by OYO. With 30% votes, mountains are a clear choice this summer, followed closely by beaches at 26 %.
Among the mountainous summer destinations, Kashmir holds the second place after Manali. “India’s favorite mountain destination is Manali, followed by Kashmir, Mcleod Ganj, Ooty, and Coorg,” the survey said.
It said that 34% of people wish to travel with family, while 25% want to travel with friends. Nine percent are planning a solo trip this summer.
Also Read: Unveiling Kashmir: A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling and Discovering its Historic Monuments
After record 2.7 million tourist arrivals in Kashmir last year, the valley is expecting another bumper tourism season this year.
In the first two months of 2023, over 2.5 lakh tourists have already visited Kashmir and the numbers are increasing with each passing day.
Till April, over four lakh tourists have visited Kashmir with the number surging as the summer season nears.
Pertinently, the government is expecting to host more than two crore in Jammu and Kashmir this year.
Also Read: Doodhpathri: An upcoming destination of Kashmir
The valley-based travel agents also claimed that the valley has emerged favorite destination in the domestic category this year as well. “Kashmir is again witnessing a boom in tourism. From groups to solo and couples, tourists throng here in large numbers. It has happened after a long time that Kashmir is receiving record-breaking tourist arrivals,” Farah Rashid, owner of Welcome Paradise Tour and Travels said.
She said that hotels and houseboats are sold out for the summer season. “It is becoming difficult to accommodate tourists in Kashmir. The majority of the hotels have witnessed 100 occupancy, particularly in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Homestays introduced by the government are filling the gap,” she said.
