Tag Archives: Domestic Tourism

According to a new WTTC report, India’s travel and tourism sector has recovered significantly with domestic tourism playing a pivotal role but international travel spend continues to remain below pre-Covid levels. Consulting firm McKinsey and Company had earlier projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030.

Advocating for promoting domestic tourism during her maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha, Sudha Murty, Philanthropist highlighted India’s cultural richness, noting that while the country boasts 42 World Heritage sites, an additional 57 are awaiting recognition. She emphasised the need for well-packaged tourism initiatives, with adequate infrastructure to attract more visitors and boost revenue within India.

Addressing the ‘Eco-Tourism Samvad,’ Yogi Adityanath, CM, Uttar Pradesh, said, “There is immense tourism potential in UP. Last year, the state witnessed the arrival of 48 crore tourists. UP offers a myriad of offerings such as spiritual tourism, heritage, and eco-tourism. An average of 1.5-2 lakh tourists alone visit Ayodhya daily.”

Tourism in Himachal Pradesh has seen a surge this year. By May 2024, the state recorded over 7.4 million tourists. This marks a rise of 3.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. Solan district has emerged as the destination with the highest tourist arrival surpassing Shimla. Kasauli and Chail are also gaining popularity.

Skyscanner Travel Insight data shows, that since the start of 2024, searches for domestic travel in India have increased by 19% year-over-year, whilst searches amongst Indian travellers for ‘Everywhere’ are up 122% YoY. The top domestic destinations for Indian travellers in 2024 include New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, and Hyderabad.

As per Policybazaar.com, there has been a 3-4% increase in booking travel insurance policies for trips exceeding 45 days in April 2024. Manas Kapoor, Business Head of Travel Insurance, Policybazaar.com, said, “Coverage for loss of baggage, trip cancellation, adventure sports, and pre-existing illness are high in demand add-ons for travel insurance.”  

Following the implementation of e-pass regulations by Tamil Nadu for entry to Nilgiris and Kodaikanal, the tourist influx has seen a surge to Munnar, Wagamon, and other destinations in Idukki. Confirming the trend, Jitheesh Jose, Secretary, District Tourism Promotion Council, said 7,342 tourists visited Wagamon meadows while 6,854 tourists Munnar Botanical Garden on Saturday.

Tamil Nadu received 28.61 crore domestic tourists in 2023, a 33 per cent surge in comparison to 2022, and 11.75 lakh foreign tourists, a 97 per cent increase when compared to the previous year. After introduction of e-pass for Ooty and Kodaikanal, the witnessed daily arrivals of approx. 39,000-1 lakh.

After meeting the state’s tourism official, Kuldeep Singh Chandela, President, Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) said, “The tourism department is likely to come up with Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy in the upcoming budget session. In fact, they are also planning to recognise, the unrecognised hotels, tour operators, and travel agents in the policy.”

In a bid to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, FHRAI organised a pivotal gathering of tourism stakeholders. The event ignited discussions to propel Union Territory’s tourism development through regulatory frameworks, facilitating investments, and implementing innovative marketing strategies to showcase J&K as a premier tourist destination.