Sunday, September 15, 2024 Agra has once again emerged as the top destination for foreign tourists visiting Uttar Pradesh, according to recent statistics from the state tourism department covering the period from 2017 to 2023. Over this span, Agra attracted a remarkable 80.08 lakh foreign visitors, while Varanasi drew 28 lakh.
The enduring allure of Agra, especially the iconic Taj Mahal, has kept it at the forefront of international tourism in India, despite a sharp decline in visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, Indian tourists have shown a marked preference for Varanasi and Prayagraj. These cities, known for their rich spiritual and religious significance, have consistently ranked high among domestic travelers.
Varanasi, with its deep-rooted Hindu traditions, has been a top choice for Indian tourists in recent years. Prayagraj, which witnessed a massive influx of visitors during the 2019 Kumbh Mela, remains a popular destination for Indian pilgrims. From 2017 to 2023, Uttar Pradesh recorded 1.
51 crore foreign visitors, with Agra maintaining a dominant position in foreign tourist numbers each year, except during the pandemic. Although Agra experienced a dip in foreign arrivals in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic years, it has shown signs of recovery in recent times. In contrast, Varanasi and Prayagraj have yet to return to their pre-COVID levels of international visitors.
In 2023, Agra welcomed 11 lakh foreign tourists, while Varanasi received 2.22 lakh, and Prayagraj saw just 4,853. The data also highlights shifting dynamics in domestic tourism.
Indian tourists’ preferences have varied over the years, with an average of 7.4 lakh Indians visiting Uttar Pradesh daily between 2017 and 2023. Prayagraj saw over two lakh visitors, Varanasi about one lakh, and Agra around 1.
52 lakh per day. Agra was the most-visited city by Indian tourists in 2017 and 2021, while Prayagraj led in 2019 and 2020, and Varanasi was the top destination in 2018, 2022, and 2023. The figures underline Agra’s significance as a premier destination for international travelers, while Varanasi and Prayagraj continue to be central to domestic tourism, particularly due to their religious and cultural importance.
Varanasi drew approximately 13 crore Indian tourists in 2023, while Agra saw 10.40 lakh, and Prayagraj welcomed 5.40 lakh visitors.
In 2019, Prayagraj attracted nearly 30 crore Indian tourists during the Kumbh Mela, while Agra and Varanasi saw 8.14 crore and 2 crore visitors, respectively. These statistics reflect the evolving patterns of both foreign and domestic tourism in Uttar Pradesh, underscoring the region’s diverse attractions, from Agra’s architectural marvels to the spiritual havens of Varanasi and Prayagraj.
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