The Role of Tourism in the Economic Development of Jammu and Kashmir Region

Abstract

Kashmir is widely recognised as a prominent tourist destination within the Himalayan region of India. The Valley is abundant with a diverse range of valuable tourism assets. In order to ensure the sustainable utilization of these tourism resources, the implementation of an appropriate tourism policy is necessary. The primary objective of this study is to analyse government policies pertaining to the expansion and advancement of tourism in the Kashmir region. Additionally, the study also seeks to evaluate the potential for tourism and the influx of tourists in Kashmir. The Government of India has developed a preliminary tourist policy, as indicated by the research findings. It also focuses on enhancing human resources and tourism infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of tourists and promoting tourism education within the state. Furthermore, the government is diligently endeavouring to foster the growth of ecotourism and lesser known tourist locations through collaborative efforts with many relevant entities. This study utilises secondary data sources to analyse the economic implications of tourism in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. It aims to investigate several indicators of economic progress, including tourist arrivals, job creation, the state's gross domestic product (GDP), infrastructure development and regional advancement. In addition to the agricultural industry, the tourist sector has emerged as a prominent contributor to the economy, serving as a significant source of income and employment opportunities.

Citation

Kumar, R., Pathak, N.D. and Jha, S.S. (2024), "The Role of Tourism in the Economic Development of Jammu and Kashmir Region", Sharma, D., Abdullah, H. and Singh, P. (Ed.) Sustainable Tourism, Part B, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 209-221. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83608-326-920241012