Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced on Thursday that over three million foreign tourists are anticipated to participate in the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, a number that has doubled from initial projections.
This figure represents nearly a third of the total number of foreign tourists who visited India last year.
“We initially estimated around 1.5 million foreign tourists, but we have updated that figure. We now expect approximately three million overseas visitors to attend the Kumbh Mela,” Shekhawat stated during the inaugural session of the OTM travel show in Mumbai.
In the calendar year 2023, India welcomed 9.52 million foreign tourists, with tourism contributing ₹2.3 lakh crore to foreign exchange earnings.
From January to October 2024, the country received 7.6 million foreign tourists, reflecting a growth of 2.8 percent compared to the same period in 2023. However, this number is still 10 percent lower than the figures from 2019.
Shekhawat noted that foreign tourist arrivals in India are nearing pre-COVID levels. “If we exclude small nations and compare ourselves with established destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, I would say our recovery has been among the fastest and most impressive,” he remarked. “However, considering our potential and diversity, we still have a long way to go,” he added.
Domestic tourism has surged due to rising disposable incomes and infrastructure improvements over the past decade. The government is also simplifying the process for foreign nationals to visit India through e-visas. As part of the Chalo India initiative, one lakh free visas have been made available for individuals recommended by members of the Indian diaspora.
New attractions, including homestays in tribal regions, are being developed, and several states are prioritizing adventure tourism. For instance, Goa and other states have expressed interest in establishing skydiving facilities, according to Shekhawat.
