India’s Domestic Tourism On The Rise: A New Dawn For Hospitality

‘Dekho Apna Desh’ deliberately promotes the local destinations to visit in India, has always been a nation of remarkable diversity and cultural richness, nestled between the beautiful Himalayas in the north and the gorgeous beaches of the south. Beyond the typical tourist destinations, the subcontinent is currently experiencing a rush of new trends that change how we travel to and experience this fascinating nation. The industry is further driven to new heights by cutting-edge technology, ecological practices, and the resurrection of lost heritage.

About Domestic Tourism 

The domestic tourism sector is experiencing a renaissance, driven by a collective yearning to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and tranquil destinations. As the travel appetite of Indian tourists shifts from traditional hotspots to more secluded, meaningful, and immersive journeys, the country’s hospitality industry is embracing this transformation with tailored offerings and services. Domestic travel and weekend vacations are on the upswing, which bodes well for the Indian tourist industry. It is boosting economic activity and employment creation in the tourist industry, while also giving Indians greater possibilities to experience their own country. 

Why domestic tourism is important?

According to a recent report published by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), domestic tourism accounted for 73% of total Travel and Tourism spending globally in 2018; thus it is a key driver of the tourism sector.

Countries rely on domestic tourism as a tool to reduce poverty, improve infrastructure, generate employment and most importantly drive economic growth.

The activities of domestic tourists create economic importance as the money spent on domestic tourism feeds back into that particular country’s economy, making it more viable and prosperous.

Rising Trends in Indian Domestic Tourism

1. Escaping the daily grind

With daily work schedules and demanding lives, Indians are increasingly looking for fast and revitalising vacations from city life. Weekend trips are popular among city residents eager to rest and refresh, because of its proximity to major cities, individuals and families may arrange short getaways with minimum disturbance to their routines. As individuals seek comfort and indulgence during their weekend getaways, the demand for luxury hotels and resorts near metropolitan centres has increased.

2. Rise of boutique hotels and homestays

With the increasing need for domestic tourism, the popularity of boutique hotels and homestays has increased significantly and these one-of-a-kind accommodations provide unique experiences with the chance to immerse oneself in the local culture. Today, travellers want more than simply nice accommodations; they want a genuine and fulfilling experience so boutique hotels adapt to these changing demands with their finely designed interiors, attention to detail, and personalised services. Similarly, homestays allow visitors to interact with local populations, sample traditional cuisine, and learn about area culture.

3. Digital transformation and travel technology

The digital revolution has a tremendous influence on the travel sector worldwide, including in India. Travel technology platforms, smartphone applications, and online booking systems have streamlined the planning and booking procedures, allowing travellers to research. Furthermore, with people sharing their experiences and recommendations, social media has played an important part in motivating and influencing travel decisions. Luxury hotels are adjusting to this digital reality by offering unified web experiences, personalised marketing initiatives, and responsive customer care.

Popular Domestic tourism Places in India

1. Tamilnadu

According to the Union Tourism Ministry, Tamil Nadu was the most visited tourist destination by both Indian and foreign tourists in 2016 with over 344 million domestic and 4.6 million foreign visits, renowned for its temple towns, heritage sites and hill stations. Chennai, Madurai, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Trichy, Chidambaram, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, the Great Living Chola Temples, Ooty and Kodaikanal are the most famous places to visit in Tamilnadu, also a living tradition of music, dance and folk arts.

2. Uttar Pradesh

With over 229 million domestic visits, Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in India, was the second most visited tourist destination by Indians in 2016. The state’s prime attraction is the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal. Often called as Heartland of India, Uttar Pradesh has a large number of historical monuments and religious places. Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jhansi, and the holiest city of Varanasi are the prime places to experience Uttar Pradesh Tourism, also has a rich cultural and culinary heritage. Cuisines of Uttar Pradesh like Awadhi, Mughlai and Kumauni cuisine are very famous throughout India and abroad.

3. Madhya Pradesh

With 185 million domestic visits, Madhya Pradesh stands in third position in domestic tourist arrivals leaving Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra at the succeeding fourth, fifth and sixth positions. It is a mix of innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts & palaces dotted all over the state. Khajuraho, Bhimbetkar, Sanchi, Gwalior, Orchha, and Ujjain are some popular destinations in Madhya Pradesh. The temples of Khajuraho are renowned worldwide for their erotic sculptures and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Madhya Pradesh is also known as Tiger State because of the tiger population in famous national parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura and Pench.

4. Maharashtra

Maharashtra is one of the most visited states in India by domestic tourists, with over 115.4 million domestic tourist arrivals. It boasts a large number of popular and revered religious venues like Nashik, Shirdi and Kolhapur heavily frequented by domestic visitors. Aurangabad is the tourism capital of Maharashtra as it is the gateway to Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves. Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Satara, Matheran and Panchgani are the top places to visit in Maharashtra. Monsoon is the best time to experience Maharashtra at its best.

5. Rajasthan

Endowed with natural beauty and great history, Rajasthan is one of the top tourist destinations in India, for both domestic and international tourists, renowned as the Land of the Kings, Rajasthan is well-known for its historical forts, palaces, vibrant culture and captivating festivities. As it is part of the Golden Triangle, this desert state is visited by a large number of foreign tourists. Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Kumbhalgarh, Chittorgarh and Mount Abu are among the most preferred destinations in Rajasthan. One can also visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Reserve, and Ranthambore National Park as part of Rajasthan Tour Packages.

Properties are seizing the opportunities presented by India’s burgeoning domestic travel market. From luxury escapes in the serene hills to curated, culturally rich experiences, these hospitality leaders are crafting experiences that go beyond the typical vacation. As travellers increasingly seek deeper connections with their destinations, brands are positioning themselves at the forefront of India’s domestic tourism revival, with its various landscapes, rich cultural legacy, and warm hospitality, India is poised to become a popular domestic and international tourism destination in the coming years