Parliament Question: Domestic and Foreign Tourist Arrivals in Gujarat

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†5948 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS IN GUJARAT †5948. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether Gujarat has immense potential for tourism; (b) if so, whether Gujarat is attracting more domestic and foreign tourists than other States of the country; (c) if so, the details of number of domestic and foreign tourists visited Gujarat during the last three years and the current year, tourist destination-wise; and (d) the details of steps taken/being taken by the Government for the development of these tourist destinations in Gujarat? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (d): India including the State of Gujarat has immense tourism potential and is recognized for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and a diverse geography encompassing mountains, beaches, and forests, making it an ideal destination for various forms of tourism. According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, India is ranked 39th globally and holds the 1st position among SAARC countries. As per the India Tourism Compendium 2025, Gujarat ranks 8th in terms of Domestic Tourist Visits and 3rd in terms of Foreign Tourist Visits in the country, indicating that Gujarat has immense potential for tourism. The Number of domestic and foreign tourists who visited (DTV and FTV) during 2023-2025 for the Top 10 Destinations of Gujarat, as provided by the state government is annexed.Identification, development and promotion of tourism destinations and products is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Government (SG)/Union Territory Administration (UTA). However, the Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes like PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, etc., complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development in the country by extending financial assistance to the State Governments. The State Government informed that it has adopted a comprehensive and integrated approach for the development of tourist destinations across the State. Major identified tourist destinations have been developed or are being developed with essential tourist infrastructure and visitor amenities, including approaches, parking, sanitation facilities, drinking water, signages, seating arrangement, safety provisions, and other required facilities. The Gujarat Government is implementing projects for development of thematic tourism circuits and eco-tourism, heritage conservation, apart from destination-specific interventions. In addition, promotion of lesser-known destinations and leveraging digital platforms for improved tourist engagement are also in focus. ********ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†5948 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 REGARDING DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS IN GUJARAT RAISED BY SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA Number of domestic and foreign tourists who visited (DTV and FTV) during 2023-2025 for the Top 10 Destinations of Gujarat. Sl. Name of 2023 2024 2025 Place No. District DTV FTV DTV FTV DTV FTV 1 Ahmedabad Ahmedabad City 19,136,609 521,033 24,648,292 715,761 26,844,462 757,035 2 Banaskantha Ambaji Temple 13,837,140 229,547 16,522,436 203,566 18,062,967 203,729 Shri Ranchhodraiji 3 Kheda 2,347,284 54,379 5,321,592 52,344 16,530,965 77,859 Maharaj Temple, Dakor Dev Bhumi 4 Dwarka Temple 7,922,506 116,026 10,055,550 107,527 14,156,105 118,620 Dwarka 5 Gir - Somnath Somnath Temple 9,102,478 110,194 9,132,967 117,137 11,251,136 122,142 6 Panchmahal Pavagadh Temple 8,121,801 77,282 7,929,631 70,055 10,075,307 77,550 7 Ahmedabad Kankaria Lakefront 7,779,424 95,050 5,705,325 94,994 7,640,385 97,156 Ekta Nagar( Statue of 8 Narmada 3,690,649 40,778 5,170,457 34,767 6,831,821 44,970 Unity) Dev Bhumi 9 Nageshwar Jyortilinga - - - - 6,687,550 21,251 Dwarka 10 Surat Surat City 5,875,186 85,597 6,594,292 81,969 6,593,770 82,782 - Not surveyed during the year ********