Rajasthan records 336 pc rise in foreign tourist visits in six years: Union Minister Shekhawat
Jaipur, Aug 7
Rajasthan has witnessed a 336 per cent increase in foreign tourist visits over the past six years, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply on Thursday.
According to data compiled by the Ministry of Tourism based on information provided by the Rajasthan Government, foreign tourist visits (FTVs) rose from 4.46 lakh in 2020 to 19.45 lakh in 2025. The Minister said the Ministry of Tourism compiles tourist arrival data using information furnished by state governments and J&K administrations.
Domestic tourist visits to Rajasthan rose sharply from 1.51 crore in 2020 to 25.25 crore in 2025, reflecting a strong post‑pandemic recovery. Foreign tourist visits, which had fallen to 0.35 lakh in 2021 due to COVID‑19 restrictions, rebounded to 19.45 lakh in 2025, after peaking at 20.72 lakh in 2024.
The data indicates sustained growth in tourist arrivals, with domestic visits crossing 10.83 crore in 2022, 17.91 crore in 2023 and 23.01 crore in 2024, while foreign arrivals climbed from 3.97 lakh in 2022 to 17 lakh in 2023 before stabilising above 19 lakh over the past two years.
On tourism revenue, the Rajasthan Government has informed the Centre that location‑specific tourism revenue data is not maintained. However, increased tourist arrivals generally translate into higher hotel occupancy and overall tourism‑related economic activity.
Shekhawat said the identification, development and promotion of tourism destinations is a continuous process undertaken primarily by state governments and J&K administrations. He added that the Rajasthan Government is implementing comprehensive measures to strengthen tourism through infrastructure development and targeted marketing initiatives.
The Union Government is supporting these efforts by providing financial assistance under various central sector schemes, including Swadesh Darshan, Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), among others.
The information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
— IANS
Reader Comments
These numbers are impressive! I visited Jaipur last year and it was amazing. The food, the culture, the hospitality - everything was top-notch. But I did notice that some tourist spots could use better signage and more English-speaking guides. Still, happy to see India's tourism booming! 🇮🇳
Domestic tourists crossing 25 crore is the real story here. Indians are exploring their own country more than ever post-COVID. This is the kind of self-reliance we should celebrate. Just wish the minister had also shared data on local employment generation from this growth. Still, good to see tourism recovering so strongly. 👍
While the growth is welcome, I wish they'd also address the issue of local vendors being squeezed out near tourist spots. Also, heritage sites need better preservation - some of them are getting damaged due to excessive footfall. Let's promote quality over quantity. Cultural heritage is our biggest asset, need to protect it for future generations. 🙏
Fantastic numbers! Rajasthan is truly a gem. I've been to Udaipur and Jaisalmer - the hospitality is unmatched. The Swadesh Darshan scheme seems to be working. Would love to see more budget-friendly options for international backpackers though. Also, let's not forget about responsible tourism and waste management in these heritage cities. 🌍
The 2021 dip to 0.35 lakh due to COVID shows how fragile tourism is. Good to see recovery but we should also learn from this - need to diversify our tourism offerings, not just rely on foreign arrivals. Domestic tourism is the real backbone. Also, state government should start maintaining location
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