Jaipur: Rajasthan witnessed an 18% surge in tourist arrivals during the first quarter of the current calendar year, even as foreign tourist inflows declined by 13%, underscoring the growing dependence on domestic travel. Total tourist footfall, encompassing both domestic and foreign visitors, rose to 6.19 crore in the January–March quarter, up from 5.25 crore in the same period last year. This increase was primarily propelled by domestic travelers, while foreign arrivals dropped, reflecting the impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Impact of Geopolitical Factors
The unrest in the Middle East has disrupted global travel patterns, consequently affecting inbound tourism in Rajasthan. Surendra Singh Shahpura, president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), expressed optimism, stating, “We expect normalcy to return well before the tourist season begins in September.” Despite foreign tourists constituting a smaller share of overall arrivals, industry stakeholders emphasized their disproportionate economic significance.
Economic Importance of Foreign Tourists
Heritage hotels, in particular, rely heavily on foreign visitors. According to Shahpura, “Though many have diversified into weddings, MICE events, and domestic segments, international tourists remain central to their business model.” The state tourism department has intensified international outreach, showcasing Rajasthan’s destinations and experiences at global exhibitions.
Efforts to Boost International Arrivals
Ranvijay Singh, general secretary of the Federation of Rajasthan Hotels, noted that participation in international tourism fairs such as the World Travel Market (London), ITB-Berlin, and JATA (Japan) is anticipated to boost arrivals in the upcoming season. However, he highlighted high airfares and limited flight connectivity as key constraints. Singh also called for a reduction in VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), similar to measures in Delhi and Maharashtra, to improve air connectivity to the state.
Domestic Tourism and Industry Resilience
Industry players observed that the sharp rise in domestic tourism, coupled with strong growth in destination weddings, has helped sustain the sector despite the dip in foreign arrivals. “Several new hotels have come up in the past five years, and the industry now requires consistent double-digit growth in arrivals to remain viable,” added Shahpura.
