Friday, January 19, 2024
The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, is a momentous occasion, drawing over 10,000 guests. The broadcast live on Indian television Doordarshan, this auspicious event marks not just a significant religious milestone in wonder but also heralds economic benefits. From January 23, 2024, Ram Mandir opens to the public, promising a boost in local and national economic sectors. The tourism, hospitality, and retail are poised for substantial growth, fuelled by an influx of pilgrims and spiritual tourists, making this gala event a landmark not only in spiritual terms but also as a catalyst for economic revitalisation.
The upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has significantly spurred temple tourism, leading to a staggering 1000% increase in searches compared to last year. Remarkably, this surge in interest is diverse, spanning business travelers, families, couples, and young individuals. Ayodhya is at the forefront of our offerings, but the rising demand is positively affecting neighboring areas like Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Allahabad, boosting the regional economy.
This article reveals the travel industry leaders’ opinions and their comments on how Indian sacred city Ayodhya is becoming one of the most important spiritual tourism destination in India and the world as well.
Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited
“To cater to this growing demand, we have broadened our travel packages to include both air-inclusive and land-only options. Our tours, led by experienced Tour Managers, range from group excursions to personalized itineraries tailored to individual preferences. Our accommodation offerings are varied, encompassing everything from hotel stays to unique tent accommodations, with options for overnight stays in Lucknow and Prayagraj to mitigate Ayodhya’s infrastructure challenges.
Beyond temple visits and religious ceremonies, our customers show keen interest in the local culture, cuisine, and handcrafted products, thereby contributing to the holistic development of the local ecosystem. This trend not only caters to spiritual needs but also promotes cultural and economic growth in the region.” Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited.
Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel
“The concept of spiritual tourism has emerged as a key contributor to the revival of India’s tourism sector, and our deep understanding of the Indian traveler places us at the forefront of this trend. We were pioneers in introducing a dedicated range of spiritual travel products and have maintained our leadership in this niche.
Following the announcement of the Ram temple’s inauguration in Ayodhya, we’ve observed a 150% increase in interest for the destination compared to pre-pandemic levels, signaling a boost for spiritual tourism in India. In 2023, the segment saw a 40% growth year-on-year, with Ujjain and Kashi emerging as popular destinations.
The pandemic has reshaped travel preferences significantly. Spiritual tourism, traditionally popular with older demographics, now sees rising interest from diverse groups including multigenerational families, couples, friends, millennials, and Gen Z. This shift is evident in the evolving nature of our Spiritual Journeys products, which combine traditional pilgrimage with unique local experiences and adventurous activities. These include white-water rafting and night trekking in Vaishno Devi, diving in Rameswaram, and bungee jumping in Rishikesh. Additionally, travelers are seeking unique experiences like sunset views from the ghats in Varanasi, boating on the Ganges, exploring heritage villages, and indulging in local art forms and culinary trails.
To enhance these experiences, we offer added conveniences like helicopter services and VIP darshan access. Hotel occupancy in these spiritual destinations hits 100% during weekends and significant dates, with an average occupancy of 60-80%. This trend not only underscores the growth of spiritual tourism but also highlights its transformation into a more diverse, adventurous, and experiential form of travel” Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel.
Anup Kumar Keshan, World Travel Industry Influencer and Founder of Travel And Tour World
“The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to significantly boost temple tourism, drawing global attention much like Bethlehem in Jerusalem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ does for Christians. This event is particularly significant for the 7.2 million Hindus living worldwide, as Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds a special place in their faith. The comparison with Bethlehem underscores the spiritual and cultural importance of Ayodhya as a pilgrimage destination.
As a result, international temple tourism is poised for substantial growth, with Ayodhya emerging as a key hub. The anticipation of this development has already attracted major global hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corp., Wyndham, Four Seasons, and Shangri-La, as well as prominent Indian hotels like Taj Hotels, Oberoi Group, ITC Hotels, Accor Hotels, Radisson Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels, all planning to establish or expand their presence in the area. This surge in hotel investment is aimed at accommodating the expected influx of visitors, providing them with quality lodging and leisure options.
Moreover, the Indian government’s investment in Ayodhya, including the inauguration of a new airport and the introduction of daily flights from major Indian cities, is a testament to the city’s rising importance as a global tourist destination. Some of the Indian airline brands like SpiceJet, Indigo Airlines, Air India Express, Vistara Airlines, Air India Airlines are also opening new routes to Ayodhya. This infrastructure development is not only geared towards international tourists but also caters to the domestic market, tapping into India’s vast Hindu population of 1.32 billion.
In the coming years, Ayodhya is expected to experience exponential growth in spiritual and temple tourism. The Ram Mandir will not only be a symbol of faith but also a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange, making it an accessible and sought-after destination for travelers worldwide.
The Ayodhya Ram Temple, epitomizing Ancient Indian era architecture, Nagara architecture style around 5th century AD is set to attract visitors of diverse faiths, transcending beyond just the Hindu community, to witness its historical and architectural grandeur.” Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World.
Shubhas Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel and Air Charter Group, and Chairman, Aviation, Travel And Tourism Committee of Indian Chamber of Commerce
According to Shubhas Goyal, a prominent figure in the Indian travel industry, Ayodhya is poised to become a leading global destination following the inauguration of the Ram Temple. He believes that the combination of the temple’s spiritual significance, architectural marvel, and the Indian government’s efforts, including a new airport and improved infrastructure, will position Ayodhya as a premier temple tourism site worldwide. Ayodhya, an Indian holy and ancient city in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh steeped in history and cultural significance, is poised for a monumental transformation with a planned tourism investment exceeding 10.3 billion dollar over the next decade. The enhancements are expected to facilitate easy and luxurious travel experiences for international travellers. Additionally, Goyal notes that this development is likely to boost tourism in the surrounding areas of Uttar Pradesh. However, he highlights the soaring land prices, a challenge, which is becoming a concern for the hospitality industry. He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to make the Indian government aware of this issue, and the Indian government is already taking necessary steps to address these concerns.
Tags: India, India Tourism, Ram Mandir, Uttar Pradesh
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
