Tourism in India has seen a remarkable upswing in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first half of 2024 alone has witnessed a 106% increase in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2022. This article aims to provide an easy-to-understand overview of the growth in tourism in India, focusing on domestic and international sectors.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals
The Numbers Sak
Between January and June 2024, India welcomed approximately 43.80 lakh (4.38 million) foreign tourists. This figure is a staggering 106% increase from the 21.24 lakh (2.12 million) tourists who visited during the same period in 2022.
Post-Pandemic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on global tourism. However, India has been proactive in reviving its tourism sector. The efforts have paid off, as seen in the surge of foreign tourist arrivals.
Domestic Tourism
A Growing Trend
In 2021, the number of domestic tourists in India was 677 million. This number skyrocketed to 1,731 million in 2022, showing the resilience and growth of domestic tourism.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
The New Hotspot
Jammu and Kashmir have also seen a rise in tourist footfall. In 2022 the region welcomed over 1.8 crore (18 million) tourists. For the first half of 2024, this number stands at 1.09 crore (10.9 million).
Impact of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
A Boost to Religious Tourism
The construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi has significantly contributed to the growth in tourism. Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 13, 2021, the corridor has attracted a large number of visitors. In 2022 alone, 7.16 crore (71.6 million) people visited the temple, and the number for January to May 2023 is 2.29 crore (22.9 million).
Prime Minister’s Take
Cultural Reawakening
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent address, stated that the increase in the number of tourists in Varanasi signifies a “cultural reawakening”. This reflects the broader trend of tourism growth in the country.
Conclusion
Tourism in India is on an upward trajectory, with significant increases in foreign and domestic tourist arrivals. Initiatives like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor have also contributed to this growth. The future looks promising, and it’s an exciting time for both tourists and the tourism industry in India.
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