Non secular tourism is driving unprecedented progress in India’s journey sector, with Varanasi alone drawing greater than 11 crore guests in 2024, based on authorities knowledge reported by the Press Info Bureau (PIB). On the fifty fifth Annual Conference of the Federation of Motels and Eating places Affiliation of India (FHRAI), tourism leaders highlighted how locations reminiscent of Puducherry and Karnataka are reshaping India’s tourism economic system.
Puducherry in world highlight
Tourism Minister Ok. Lakshminarayanan stated Puducherry acquired about 19 lakh guests in 2024, with the hospitality sector contributing practically Rs 25,000 crore to the union territory’s economic system. He identified that Puducherry has been ranked the second finest place on the earth for tourism in a latest world report. The federal government, he added, is investing closely in infrastructure to maintain and develop this momentum.
Karnataka showcases huge heritage
Dr Rajendra, Director of Tourism, Authorities of Karnataka, emphasised that the state is residence to greater than 25,000 historic and heritage websites, together with 4 UNESCO World Heritage websites and 800 notified vacationer websites. He stated the Tourism Coverage 2025, launched earlier this yr goals to strengthen public-private partnerships to unlock the sector’s potential for progress and employment.
Add Zee Enterprise as a Most popular Supply
Gen Z drives non secular journey
Non secular tourism is not confined to older generations, stated Sri Ganesh Pai of ISKCON, Bengaluru South. Citing journey portal knowledge, he famous that 80 to 90 per cent of searches for locations now relate to spiritual websites, with many of the curiosity pushed by Gen Z travellers. “Younger vacationers are including journey and wellness experiences to their itineraries alongside non secular visits,” he added.
Skilling for wellness and hospitality
Trade leaders additionally drew consideration to the necessity for a extra expert workforce to match rising expectations. Dr Jazzy Nepram of Shangri-La stated the wellness sector should diversify by collaborating with educated professionals to enhance each income and high quality of companies. Equally, Dr Bhupesh Kumar, Principal of the Institute of Resort Administration in Ranchi, burdened that the Gen Z cohort would drive hospitality progress sooner or later, urging employers to spend money on coaching and sprucing employees to fulfill their wants.
Varanasi’s file footfall
Varanasi, one of many nation’s most vital non secular hubs, noticed its customer numbers leap sharply in 2024, internet hosting greater than 11 crore guests, up from about 8.94 crore in 2023. This marks an 18.7 per cent improve year-on-year, based on official tourism figures. Whereas home vacationers shaped the majority of the expansion, international arrivals rose by practically 35 per cent. Improved connectivity, upgraded ghats, heritage conservation and the town’s branding as Model Banaras have been central to this success. With each non secular and trendy leisure experiences attracting youthful travellers, the sector is rising as one of many nation’s strongest financial drivers.
