Top 10 Most Visited Places in India by Foreign Tourists in 2024
Prashant
Blogger
As of 2024, India is experiencing a significant surge in foreign tourist arrivals. According to recent data, from January to September 2023, there were approximately 6.43 million foreign tourists visiting India, marking a notable increase compared to previous years. Experts predict that the total number of foreign tourists in 2024 is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong recovery and growth in the tourism sector (The World Statistics) (Hindustan Times).
Here is the year-by-year revenue generation from foreign tourist arrivals in India, expressed in terms of Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) in crore rupees:
Revenue Generation from Foreign Tourists (FEEs)
- 2019: ₹2,16,467 crore
- 2020: ₹50,136 crore
- 2021: ₹65,070 crore
- 2022: ₹1,39,935 crore
2023 (Jan-Sep): ₹1,66,660 crore (The World Statistics).
Insights
- 2019: The tourism sector performed robustly, generating ₹2,16,467 crore in FEEs.
- 2020: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a drastic decline in earnings, dropping to ₹50,136 crore due to travel restrictions and lockdowns.
- 2021: There was a slight improvement as FEEs increased to ₹65,070 crore, showing resilience amid ongoing uncertainties.
- 2022: A significant recovery occurred with earnings rebounding to ₹1,39,935 crore as travel restrictions eased and vaccination efforts progressed.
- 2023: Continued recovery trends were observed, with FEEs reaching ₹1,66,660 crore in the first nine months of the year, surpassing the total earnings for the whole of 2022.
These figures highlight the fluctuating nature of the tourism sector due to external factors like the pandemic but also underscore the resilience and recovery potential of India's tourism industry.
India's global position in foreign tourist visits has varied significantly over the past few years, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019
Global Rank: India was ranked 23rd globally in terms of international tourist arrivals, with 10.93 million foreign tourists visiting the country.
2020
Global Rank: Due to the pandemic, India's rank dropped significantly. The number of foreign tourists fell to approximately 2.74 million, placing India much lower on the global scale.
2021
Global Rank: The situation worsened, with only 1.52 million foreign tourists arriving. India's rank was 54th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index.
2022
Global Rank: There was a recovery with 6.19 million foreign tourists, improving India's position slightly as global travel restrictions eased.
2023
Projected Position: With ongoing recovery and tourism initiatives like "Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023," India is expected to further improve its rank. The exact global position for 2023 will be clearer after year-end data is available.
These fluctuations highlight the significant impact of global events on tourism and the importance of strategic initiatives to attract visitors. For more detailed statistics and trends, official reports from the Ministry of Tourism and international organizations like the UNWTO are useful references.
In 2024, several destinations in India continue to attract a significant number of foreign tourists. Here are some of the most popular places:
Delhi: As the capital city, Delhi offers a mix of historic sites and modern attractions. Key sites include the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate. The bustling markets and street food are also major draws (Indiator) (Trending Indian Pop Culture).
Jaipur: Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is famous for its grand palaces and forts like Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. The city's vibrant culture and shopping for traditional handicrafts are also popular (Tusk Travel).
Goa: This coastal state is renowned for its beautiful beaches, Portuguese heritage, and vibrant nightlife. Popular beaches include Anjuna, Baga, and Palolem, while historic sites like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Fort Aguada also attract visitors (Tusk Travel) (Indiator).
Udaipur: Often called the Venice of the East, Udaipur is known for its stunning lakes and palaces such as Lake Pichola, City Palace, and Jag Mandir. The city's romantic ambiance and cultural heritage are major attractions (Tusk Travel) (Zingbus).
Mumbai: As India’s financial capital, Mumbai offers a mix of colonial architecture and modern urban life. Key attractions include the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, and the vibrant local markets. The city's diverse cultural scene and bustling nightlife are also significant draws (Indiator) (Trending Indian Pop Culture).
Varanasi: This spiritual capital of India is famous for its ghats along the Ganges River, where rituals and ceremonies take place daily. The evening Ganga Aarti is a mesmerizing experience, and nearby Sarnath is a significant Buddhist site (Zingbus) (Trending Indian Pop Culture).
Ladakh: Known for its stunning landscapes and adventure opportunities, Ladakh is popular for trekking, bike rides through mountain passes, and visiting ancient monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey (Zingbus) (Trending Indian Pop Culture).
Kerala: Including destinations like Alleppey and Munnar, Kerala is famous for its backwaters, tea plantations, and natural beauty. Activities like houseboat cruises, tea tours, and Ayurvedic treatments are particularly popular (Indiator) (Trending Indian Pop Culture).
Rajasthan: Other cities in Rajasthan such as Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are also frequented by tourists. Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort and the blue-painted houses, and Jaisalmer's desert landscapes and historic forts draw many visitors (Zingbus) (Trending Indian Pop Culture).
- Mysore: Known for its royal heritage and grand palaces like Mysore Palace, this city also offers beautiful gardens and markets, making it a popular spot for tourists (Indiator).
These destinations reflect India's rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant urban life, making the country a must-visit for international travelers
