The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (now new union territory) is well known in the whole world for its scenic beauty especially the Kashmir valley which is called Mughals as paradise on the surface of earth. It is also known as ?emerald set in pearls? Jammu division has also got much importance because of Vishnu Devi cave Raghunath Temple and Bahu fort. Since long tourists have been visiting the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hein- the greatest traveler a Chinese pilgrim visited India and central Asia in 17th century A.D. during the time of Harshavardhana, he spent two full years in Kashmir. 

Tourism plays an important role in the development of backward economy of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It has brought a number of social and economic impacts and benefits to the people of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir provides employment to lakhs of people in various ways. It has also changed the social attitude and culture of people in the region. Like other industries tourism too contributes to the growth of handicraft and wood carving industries in Kashmir. Tourism is an extremely important aspect to the economic life of the people in the state Jammu and Kashmir. Before independence tourism in Kashmir was not given much stress. However it got developed after Independence in order to improve the economic conditions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In view of the importance of tourism in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the govt has taken up steps for the development of tourism industry in earnest. By the end of 1981-1982 an amount of 25-81 crore was invested for the development of tourism industry. The particular attention towards this industry was given in five year plans which are as under:

1st 5 year plan: Rs. 46-51 lakh
2nd 5 year plan: Rs. 51-68 lakh
3rd 5 year plan: Rs. 49-98 lakh
Inter plan: Rs. 62-10m lakh
4th 5 year plan: Rs. 490-90 lakh
5th 5 year plan: Rs. 585-34 lakh
6th 5 year plan: Rs. 2200-00 lakh
12th 5 year plan: Rs. 2500 lakh.

From the above data it is clear that the investment on tourism development has shown steady upward trend from 4th plan onwards. During these plans many hotels ?rest houses, tourist bungalows? cafeterias and restaurants, were either constructed or modernized. Most of budget was kept for construction and development of parks and gardens. The number of tourists increased from 15000 in 1947 to 600000 in 1986 and 1100000 in 2011and 8,41,202 in 2018.In 2019 4,99,584 tourists visited the valley it is 59.3% less as compared to 2018 when 8,41,202 tourists visited the valley. The Jammu and Kashmir govt has also set up a corporation for the development of tourism in 1969. It generates employment for number of people and fetches about 17% of UT income. The local govt provides about Rs.55 crore in five year plan for the development of infrastructure to improve means of transport, communication and beauty of gardens, construction of tourist centers etc. The tourists who visit Jammu and Kashmir classified Indians and non Indians, except those who visit religious places. Most of the tourists come to valley but their visit is confined only during summers. The best time to visit Kashmir valley is March through October. If you want to enjoy Kashmir when the flowers are in full bloom and the alpine meadows at their greenest, this is the best period. Having said that, it can get a bit crowded during these months, considering it is the peak tourist season.

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