Maharashtra Records Over 145% Growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals in Three Years

Maharashtra has witnessed a sharp rise in foreign tourist arrivals over the past three years, reporting more than double the number of international visitors and strengthening its position as India’s top inbound tourism destination.
 

According to official data shared in Parliament, the state received 1.512 million foreign tourists in 2022, which increased significantly to 3.388 million in 2023 and further rose to 3.705 million in 2024. This consistent upward trend reflects the state’s strong post-pandemic recovery and growing appeal among global travelers.

In 2024, Maharashtra accounted for 17.69 percent of India’s total foreign tourist visits, the highest share among all states, highlighting its critical role in the country’s tourism ecosystem. The state’s diverse offerings-including heritage sites, metropolitan experiences, beaches, hill stations, spiritual circuits, and culinary tourism-continue to attract visitors from key international markets.
 

The Ministry of Tourism has been actively promoting India as a holistic tourism destination across global tourism-generating markets. These efforts include participation in international travel trade exhibitions, fairs, and events, along with the organisation of familiarisation (FAM) tours for foreign tour operators, media representatives, and digital influencers. Tourism roadshows, India food festivals, and extensive engagement with local tour operators and other industry stakeholders further support destination promotion. These initiatives are undertaken in collaboration with Indian Missions abroad, industry partners, and State Governments, including the Government of Maharashtra.
 

To strengthen tourism infrastructure nationwide, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance through several flagship schemes. These include Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)-a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0-Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD). These programmes aim to enhance destination development, improve visitor amenities, and support sustainable tourism growth in consultation with State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.

Additionally, the Ministry regularly holds consultation meetings with tourism departments of State Governments and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, to address challenges and opportunities related to tourism development and promotion.

This information was provided by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on February 5, 2026.