In a response to a parliamentary query, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy disclosed that foreign tourist arrivals in India remain below pre-COVID levels, with 85.9 lakh visitors in 2022. The data presented highlighted a significant decline in tourist footfall during the pandemic years, revealing the impact on India’s tourism sector.
According to the data spanning from 2018 to 2022, 2.88 crore foreign tourists visited India in 2018, increasing to 3.14 crore in 2019. However, in 2020, the numbers plummeted to 71.7 lakh, further decreasing to 10.5 lakh in 2021. In 2022, the figures showed a modest recovery with 85.9 lakh foreign visitors.
Minister Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to tourism development through schemes like “Swadesh Darshan,” “Prashad,” and “Assistance to Central Agencies.” These initiatives provide financial aid to states and Union territories for infrastructure development at tourism destinations, including pilgrimage sites.
Under these schemes, a total of 76 projects have been sanctioned under “Swadesh Darshan,” 46 under “Prashad,” and 38 under the “Assistance to Central Agencies” scheme.
In response to questions about launching pilgrim tourism circuits, Reddy stated that the ministry collaborates with state governments and central agencies to identify and develop projects, subject to guidelines, fund availability, and ongoing project status.
The data on pilgrims traveling for religious visits across states is not maintained by the ministry. The parliamentary response also highlighted the need for continued efforts to revive and strengthen India’s tourism sector.
By PTI
