Uttar Pradesh Sees Significant Growth in Tourist Arrivals in 2024

Lucknow: The popularity of ‘Yogi’s Uttar Pradesh’ continues to rise among tourists, as evidenced by the latest data released by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. The number of tourists visiting the state has seen a remarkable increase of around 17 crore in 2024, compared to 2023. Notably, the attraction of Uttar Pradesh has grown not only within India but also internationally, with a significant rise in the number of foreign tourists. In just one year, the influx of foreign tourists increased by nearly 7 lakh.

Unprecedented Growth in Tourist Arrivals

According to Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, the state offers limitless potential for tourism, and efforts are continuously being made to realize this potential. Since 2022, Uttar Pradesh has been the top choice for domestic tourists. Foreign tourist arrivals have also seen a major boost, contributing to this achievement.

In 2024, Uttar Pradesh welcomed a total of 64,90,76,213 tourists, up from 48,01,27,191 in 2023. This represents a significant increase of 16,89,49,022 tourists within one year. Foreign tourist arrivals also saw a substantial rise, with 22,69,067 foreign tourists in 2024, compared to 16,01,503 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 6,67,564 foreign visitors.

Key Destinations Witnessing Growth

Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted that tourist numbers have surged at key religious destinations in Uttar Pradesh, particularly after the Ram Janmabhoomi temple’s consecration at Ayodhya. In 2024, a total of 16,44,19,522 pilgrims visited Ayodhya, a sharp increase from 5,75,70,896 in 2023, marking an increase of 10,68,48,626 tourists.

In Varanasi, the number of pilgrims also saw significant growth, with 11,009,7743 visitors in 2024, compared to 10,186,7618 in 2023, an increase of 82,30,125 tourists. Similarly, Mathura witnessed an increase from 77,92,72,99 in 2023 to 90,08,17,88 in 2024, showing a growth of 12,154,489 tourists. Prayagraj saw an increase of 5,91,184 tourists, from 50,67,16,22 in 2023 to 51,26,28,06 in 2024.

Agra Leads in Foreign Tourist Arrivals

Agra remains the top destination for foreign tourists, with a total of 1,77,75,561 visitors in 2024, including 14,65,814 foreign tourists. Other prominent destinations include Varanasi, which saw 3,09,932 foreign tourists among its 11,009,7743 visitors; Kushinagar, with 2,24,29,13 total tourists, including 2,51,251 foreign visitors; Mathura, with 1,36,079 foreign tourists among 90,08,17,88 visitors; and Ayodhya, with 26,048 foreign visitors among 16,44,19,522 pilgrims.

With its growing appeal, Uttar Pradesh continues to establish itself as a major hub for religious, cultural, and heritage tourism, attracting visitors from across the globe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------

Related posts