Ayodhya Ram Temple Inauguration Sparks Anticipated Surge in Tourism
The Prime Minister officially inaugurated the Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, marking significant strides in Ayodhya’s infrastructural development, especially in air, rail, and road connectivity.
The inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple on January 22 is expected to trigger a substantial influx of tourists to Ayodhya. The Ayodhya Development Authority predicts an attendance of 7,000 people for the inauguration ceremony, with an estimated 3-5 lakh visitors per day anticipated for at least a month after the temple’s opening. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister expressed optimism, stating that upon the completion of construction and development in 2024, tourism in Ayodhya could potentially increase tenfold.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reported a remarkable achievement with a staggering 8,342.7% annual growth in tourism during 2022. Ayodhya district witnessed a surge in visitors, recording 2.36 crore domestic and 1,465 foreign tourists, a significant rise from the 1.73 lakh domestic and zero foreign visitors in 2021. On the first day of 2023, Ayodhya Police prepared for an estimated 50 lakh visitors.
Projecting 3-5 Lakh Visitors Daily throughout January
Analyzing the tourism data from 2017 to 2022, Ayodhya district experienced notable growth. In 2017, the district hosted 2.8 lakh domestic and 1,215 foreign tourists, followed by 3.1 lakh domestic and 1,292 foreign visitors in 2018, and 3.4 lakh domestic and 1,365 foreign tourists in 2019. The numbers declined to 1.73 lakh domestic and 174 foreign visitors in 2020 and 2.82 lakh domestic and zero foreign visitors in 2021. However, 2022 witnessed a record-breaking surge, with around 2.39 crore domestic and 1,465 foreign visitors in Ayodhya district.
The construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple has not only enhanced Ayodhya’s cultural landscape but has also positively impacted the local economy. The increased tourist footfall has created job opportunities for locals, leading to the establishment of new businesses around the temple area. From small-scale enterprises to larger businesses, all are benefitting from the heightened demand for accommodation, transportation, food, and local products and services.
In anticipation of the grand temple’s opening, hotel rates in Ayodhya have soared, with many establishments already fully booked. Guests have fully booked all 30 luxurious air-conditioned tents at the Ayodhya Tent City from January 20 to 27, with each tent commanding a nightly rate ranging from Rs 20,000 to 30,000.
