Ayodhya To Be World’s Biggest Global Religious Destination
Ayodhya, a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, is set to become one of the world’s biggest global religious destinations. The new Ram Mandir, a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram, is at the heart of this transformation.
With its recent consecration ceremony, Ayodhya is expected to draw a huge number of tourists, between 5 to 10 crore people every year. This is a significant increase from the 2.21 crore visitors it saw in 2022.
To prepare for this influx of tourists, Ayodhya has undergone major changes. The city now has a new Ayodhya International Airport and improved railway stations.
The roads have been upgraded, and new townships are being developed. These improvements are aimed at making travel and stay in Ayodhya easier and more comfortable for visitors.
The hospitality sector of Ayodhya city is expanding rapidly. Currently, Ayodhya has about 17 premium hotels with around 590 rooms. Recognizing the need for more accommodations, 73 new hotels are planned. Of these, 40 are already being built.
Big names in the hotel industry, like IHCL, Marriott, Wyndham, and OYO Rooms, are part of this expansion.
Food chains are also eyeing Ayodhya for new opportunities. Burger King has already opened a store, and others like McDonald’s and Jubilant Foods are showing interest. The aviation sector is not far behind, with airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet looking to serve the increasing number of visitors.
This surge in tourism is expected to significantly boost the state’s revenue. Religious tourism is a big part of India’s tourism sector, projected to reach $443 billion by FY33. Tourist spending in Uttar Pradesh alone could double this year, crossing Rs 4 lakh crore.
The state government plans to introduce travel itineraries that showcase the rich history of Uttar Pradesh and nearby states, providing tourists with a comprehensive experience.
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Ayodhya is on its way to becoming a global pilgrimage hub, attracting millions of visitors, boosting local and state economies, and enhancing the tourism experience in India.