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Ganderbal, Dec 27: Over eight lakh tourists visited Sonamarg in 2024.
With its snow-capped mountains and breathtaking clear blue skies, Sonamarg has become a top winter destination. This year, the region recorded a total of 822,857 tourists including 766,309 international visitors, 40,356 locals, and 16,191 domestic visitors.
“The beauty of Sonamarg is simply breathtaking. The snow-covered peaks and serene landscape make it the perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike,” said Sunil Kumar from Maharashtra, a domestic tourist from India.
Emma Larson, an international visitor from the United States, added, “Sonamarg is unlike anywhere I’ve been before. The combination of tranquillity and winter sports makes it an unforgettable destination.”
The officials said several factors contribute to the surge in tourism in Sonamarg which include the success of last year’s ice-skating event and the growing popularity of winter sports.
“Building on this momentum, the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) is expanding its offerings by introducing a new ice rink and additional winter sports activities, aiming to establish Sonamarg as a premier winter sports hub,” he said.
G M Bhat, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), said, “We are fully prepared for the winter season. All necessary arrangements, including men and machinery, are in place.”
“This winter, we are excited to host a range of winter games such as ice-skating, snow biking, skiing, and more,” the CEO said. “We invite tourists to come and experience the unmatched beauty of Sonamarg and enjoy the thrilling winter sports we have to offer.”
Sonamarg aside, over three million domestic and international visitors visited Jammu and Kashmir this year.
An official said Jammu and Kashmir’s administration launched an ambitious plan to develop 75 new tourist destinations, 75 heritage and cultural sites, 75 Sufism and religious sites, and 75 adventure treks, to attract tourists across all four seasons. Work on these projects is in full swing, with ongoing developments across the region, he added.
These initiatives, he said, encompass various facets of tourism, including nature, adventure, pilgrimage, heritage and sports tourism. “Efforts have been made to explore new tourism avenues such as amusement parks, water sports, rafting, rock climbing, and snow parks to attract a broader spectrum of tourists,” the official said.
He said that to strengthen J&K’s tourism brand, a sustained marketing strategy has been implemented, with a strong emphasis on utilizing information technology to better reach global audiences. “Eco-friendly infrastructure is being developed to standardize tourism products and services, and targeted marketing strategies are being employed to tap into emerging markets, which will contribute significantly to J&K’s economic prosperity,” he added.
The department is also identifying new trekking routes and pilgrimage/Sufi circuits to connect famous shrines with lesser-known pilgrimage sites to further enhance the tourism potential of J&K, the official said. (With KNO inputs)
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