North Kashmir Experiences Tourism Boom with 367 Registered Homestays, Fostering Local Economic Growth

In a strategic move aimed at increasing tourism in the border villages of Jammu and Kashmir, the Tourism Department has achieved a milestone. They have done successful registration of 367 homestays across the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora. Out of the 433 applications received by the Directorate of Tourism, 367 homestays have been approved, marking a significant initiative to enhance the region’s economic prospects.

The department officials revealed that the registered homestays collectively offer 1468 rooms, accommodating up to 2936 visitors. In the popular tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Tangmarg 255 out of 275 applications have been successfully registered. They will provide a bed capacity of 2040 with 1020 rooms. Additionally, regions like Ecopark in Baramulla, Mundaji and Kitterdaji registered 12 homestays with 48 rooms and a bed capacity of 96.

In Bandipora’s Watlab and nearby regions, 50 homestays with a total of 200 rooms and a bed capacity of 400 have been registered. In the border areas of Teetwal, Kupwara, Machil, Keran, Bangus, Tangdhar and Lolab 50 homestays have been registered with 41 in progress. They offer 200 rooms and a bed capacity of 400.

To boost the local economy of the border regions, the officials emphasized charging a nominal registration fee of Rs. 250. The Directorate of Tourism Kashmir and the Tourism Department have played an indirect role in shaping the local landscape of the region.

The LG administration and the Tourism Department also deserve appreciation for the success of the homestays that have played a substantial role in promoting border tourism and generating income for the locals.