The number of foreign tourists has risen alongside domestic tourists in the first six months of 2024. An estimated 40 crore pilgrims and tourists from across the country and abroad are expected to attend Mahakumbh-2025, which will be held on the sandy banks of Sangam starting January 13, 2025. Even before the event, the number of tourists in Prayagraj has already seen a significant increase, as confirmed by data from the state tourism department.

According to the regional tourism department in Prayagraj, over 5 crore tourists visited the city in 2023. In the first six months of 2024 alone, more than 4.5 crore tourists have already visited Sangam city. Additionally, 4,266 foreign tourists visited Prayagraj last year to experience its rich historical, cultural, and religious offerings. This year, in just six months, the number of foreign visitors has reached 3,894, according to the data.

Similarly, 1,437,674 Indian tourists stayed in the city’s hotels last year, along with 2,771 foreign tourists. This year, in just six months, 1,941,426 Indian tourists have stayed in hotels, and the number of foreign guests has increased to 3,960, officials confirm.

Officials and tour operators believe that improved air connectivity via Bamrauli Airport and enhancements to the highway between Prayagraj and Varanasi have made travel easier for tourists visiting Prayagraj.

Additionally, the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the new idol in the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya this year has also attracted tourists to Prayagraj. Officials believe that as an important stop on the Rampath Gaman Marg, many tourists visiting Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha have also come to Prayagraj in large numbers.

From a tourism perspective, 1,329,720 tourists visited Prayagraj last year to see historical sites such as Anand Bhawan, Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park, and Khusro Bagh. In just the first six months of this year, that number has increased to 1,379,280.

Similarly, 2,085,791 tourists visited religious sites last year, while by June 2024, that number has already reached 3,317,551. Data from the tourism department shows that 28,480,000 devotees attended the Magh Mela in 2023. This year, during the same period of the annual religious fair, that number has increased to 37,135,000.

Prayagraj’s growing appeal as a tourism destination underscores its rich cultural heritage, religious significance, and the improvements being made to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.

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