Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Indian states ramp up domestic tourism push as travellers shun costly foreign trips
With international holidays becoming increasingly expensive, states across India are intensifying efforts to capture a larger share of the growing domestic tourism market through enhanced campaigns and new travel circuits.
LSN India ·
States across India are launching aggressive campaigns and developing new tourism circuits to capitalise on a surge in domestic travel, as high currency exchange rates and global inflation make overseas vacations less affordable for middle-class Indians.
Rising costs of international holidays have prompted more Indian families to redirect their leisure budgets towards domestic destinations during festival seasons and peak travel periods. States are responding by upgrading infrastructure, promoting lesser-known attractions, and rolling out competitive packages to attract this growing segment of domestic tourists.
Private-sector partnerships are emerging as a key strategy to accelerate tourism development. State governments are collaborating with hotels, travel operators, and hospitality chains to create integrated tourism experiences, from heritage circuits to adventure tourism zones, designed to appeal to various traveller demographics.
The shift towards domestic tourism offers significant economic opportunities for local communities and businesses. Tourism departments are ramping up promotional activities and digital marketing to ensure their destinations reach potential visitors planning festival-season getaways and holiday breaks.
Industry observers note that this trend reflects broader changes in Indian consumer spending patterns, with domestic tourism now positioning itself as a viable alternative to international travel rather than a secondary choice.