The Big Draw: Indian tourism in numbers

The Statue of Unity, inaugurated on October 31, has reportedly been getting several visitors. While the statue might be a crowd-puller, will it change the tourism dynamics of the country? Here is an overview of the latest tourist numbers:

Foreign tourist arrivals are increasing in India (millions)

But India gets just 10% of the foreign tourists that France gets

Foreign tourist arrivals in 2016 (millions)

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and UP get the most foreign visitors
Share of foreign tourist visits in 2017

Tamil Nadu is the most popular destination state among domestic travellers
Share of domestic tourist visits in 2017

Most Indians travel to see their family. Pilgrimages and health are also major reasons (2008-09 data)

India’s most visited monument, the Taj Mahal, made Rs 18 crore in ticket sales in 2016

10 monuments most visited by domestic tourists in 2016*

10 monuments most visited by foreign tourists in 2016*

*Visitors to Archaeological Survey of India-protected monuments