Tourist arrivals in Rajasthan grew by 7% in the first half of 2024, continuing the high growth from 2023. Last year, the state saw a 66% increase with 18 crore tourists visiting.

The rise in tourist numbers is crucial for the growing hospitality industry in the state, with several new hotel projects underway. Ranvijay Singh, General Secretary of the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Rajasthan, noted that major destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Kumbhalgarh, and Jaisalmer are seeing significant investments. 

Foreign tourist arrivals were up by 37% in the first six months of 2024, but domestic visitors were the main drivers of this growth. Ravi Jain, Secretary of Tourism, expects a 10% increase in footfalls by the end of the year. To maintain this growth, the department is focusing on publicity and participating in trade exhibitions both in India and abroad.

Additionally, Rajasthan will host the Rajasthan Domestic Tourism Mart on September 14-15, which will feature around 400 tour operators and travel agents from across the country.

Singh also highlighted the need to promote lesser-known destinations such as Jawai near Pali and Tehla in Alwar. However, some stakeholders have pointed out that improvements to infrastructure and approach roads are needed to support this growth.