Rajasthan Witnesses 12-Fold Rise In Domestic Tourism Since 2020

EE News Desk Feb 06, 2024

As per a media report, over the past four years, Rajasthan has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, witnessing a twelvefold increase in domestic visitors and a notable uptick in foreign tourist footfall after the initial decline due to the covid pandemic.

The Tourism Department reports that the state hosted over 1.51 crore domestic tourists in 2020, a number that soared to more than 17.90 crore in 2023. The total count of domestic tourists from January 2020 to December 2023 reached an impressive 32.44 crore, while over 22.20 lakh foreign tourists explored the historical heritage of the desert state during the same period.

"Rajasthan has been a major tourist attraction among the tourists. After the corona pandemic, a large number of domestic tourists have started visiting the state. The number of foreign tourists have also significantly risen," pointed out Daleep Singh Rathore, Deputy Director of Tourism Department.

The recently elected BJP government is committed to establishing the state as a frontrunner in the country's tourism sector.

The recent visits by Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala and French President Emmanuel Macron to Rajasthan have significantly contributed to the state's efforts in showcasing itself as a preferred foreign destination for international elites.

Diya Kumari, a member of the former Jaipur royal family and the current deputy chief minister overseeing the tourism department, is actively engaging in meetings with foreign delegations to advance this initiative.

"The government is determined to transform Rajasthan into a premier tourism destination. A 100-day action agenda has been given to the department officials. A comprehensive strategy needs to be formulated and implemented," mentioned Kumari.

She outlined her strategy, emphasising collaboration with diverse departments to bolster the state's rail, road, and air connectivity. Kumari highlighted the importance of establishing robust basic infrastructure and enhancing hospitality services to achieve the desired goals. These tourism statistics were disclosed by her during a recent inquiry by BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf in the Rajasthan Assembly.

As per her response, Rajasthan welcomed nearly 18 crore domestic tourists and 17 lakh foreign tourists in the year 2023. In 2020, the state recorded the visits of 1.51 crore domestic tourists and 4.46 lakh foreign tourists. The figures for 2021 indicate 2.19 crore domestic tourists and 34,806 foreign tourists, while in 2022, Rajasthan hosted 10.83 crore domestic tourists and 39,684 foreign tourists. These details were sought by Saraf, who had requested a breakdown of domestic and foreign tourist visits to the state from January 2020 to December 2023.

The hotel association in the state is optimistic following the visit of the French President to Jaipur, believing that this visit will create new avenues for opportunities.

"During the corona pandemic, the number of foreign tourists dropped, while domestic tourists still came in large numbers. After the French President's visit, new opportunities will come as French tourists used to come in large numbers before the corona pandemic," told M Hussain, President, Jaipur Hotels Association.