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, an.