Tourism making progress by leaps and bounds in off season

Jaipur: Rajasthan is experiencing a tourism boom, with over 8.4 million visitors arriving in the state in the first six months of this year. This surge in tourism indicates that previous records are set to be surpassed.

With the new tourism season starting on Sunday, projections suggest that the number of tourists in the state could exceed 200 million for the first time. Rajasthan, known for its diverse culture and historical richness, has seen a rapid resurgence in tourism post-COVID.

The state’s previous administration set up a Rs 1,500 crore tourism development fund and designated tourism as an industry. With the new government, plans for tourism development were implemented swiftly. Deputy Chief Minister Dila Kumari has played a key role in setting new benchmarks in the sector.

According to Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the number of tourists has grown significantly. In the first half of 2022, over 6.6 million tourists visited the state, an 81% increase compared to 2021. Foreign tourist arrivals saw a 565% increase, setting a national record. In 2023, over 7.8 million tourists visited in the same period, a rise of 1.25 crore compared to the previous year. This year, the first six months have seen a 6.86% increase in tourist arrivals compared to last year.

With the new tourism season starting on September 1, the state is expected to see over 12 million tourists in the coming six months, bolstered by major festivals, events, and the reintroduction of the Palace on Wheels on September 25.