Increase in domestic tourism amid PM’s appeal:Bookings increased from Kashmir to Lakshadweep; demand for foreign travel decreased

The impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to avoid unnecessary foreign travel is visible in the country’s travel sector. Demand for domestic tourist destinations like Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Kerala, and North Bengal has increased rapidly, while inquiries related to foreign travel have declined. According to data from Intercity Smartbus, bookings on major tourism and pilgrimage routes like Dehradun, Manali, Goa, Tirupati, and Ujjain have recorded an increase of approximately 30-35%. According to Skyscanner’s ‘Smarter Summer Report’, 90% of travelers want their holiday spending to support small businesses and local economies. According to travel platforms like Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip, Indian families are now prioritizing shorter duration domestic holidays this summer. According to Indian Association of Tour Operators President Ravi Gosain, international inquiries and bookings have declined by 10%-15% this season. According to Tourism Ministry data, domestic tourist trips in India have increased to 413 crore, indicating that domestic tourism has now become the biggest strength of the Indian travel industry. Tourists in Lakshadweep increased 17 times in 4 years According to latest data from the Tourism Ministry, 3,875 tourists visited Lakshadweep in 2020. In 2024, this number reached a record 68,328. Between 2023 and 24, the number of tourists increased by 47%. It is believed that the Prime Minister’s visit in January 2024 and subsequent social media promotion gave momentum to this surge. Lakshadweep – Tourists increased 47% between 2023-24 Year – Number – Growth 2020 – 3875 – —- 2023 – 46,551- 1,101% 2024 – 68,328 – 47% (Source- Ministry of Tourism) Hill Areas in Demand In the past few weeks, the country’s hill areas have emerged as rapidly growing destinations in terms of bookings. People are prioritizing domestic travel. – Rajesh Maago, CEO, MakeMyTrip ​