India’s ‘temple economy’ set to turbocharge its tourism industry

Despite being partially built, the Ram temple has already attracted some 15 million visitors since its inauguration, according to India’s Tourism Ministry.

Despite being partially built, it has already attracted some 15 million visitors since its inauguration, according to India’s Ministry of Tourism. The surrounding pilgrimage site, which covers around 28ha, will be equipped to host a million pilgrims at any one time. Also known by its ancient name, Kashi, Varanasi attracted around 80 million visitors in 2022, almost four times the number recorded in the pre-pandemic year 2019. Whether the increase reflects a sharp rise in religiosity over the period or merely “catch-up” visitation after the pandemic is not clear. Whether Ayodhya will match the huge expectations of it in terms of visitor arrivals remains to be seen, but it is reasonable to assume that the numbers to both Varanasi and Ayodhya will be sizeable.

The potential for employment is immense, covering areas like hospitality, retail, food services, local transport – from luxury bus and taxi drivers to rickshaw pullers – tour operators, entertainment providers and various faith-based services such as temple guides, priests and performers of ceremonies.

But India’s government plans to rejuvenate religious tourism nationally. Soon after coming to power in 2014, it launched a new scheme called the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive, or Prasad – the acronym means “God’s gift” – which will identify and redevelop pilgrimage sites across the country to boost religious and cultural tourism.

India attracted only 9.2 million international tourists in 2023, compared with 35.5 million for China and 13.6 million for Singapore. India’s share of international tourism receipts was a paltry 1.6 per cent in 2023.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

South Korean singer Park Bo-ram dies at age 30She was drinking at an acquaintance’s home on April 11 when she was found unconscious in the bathroom.
Source: STForeignDesk - 🏆 4. / 71 Read more »

Korean singer Park Bo-ram, 30, found dead in bathroom while drinking with friendsKorean singer Park Bo-ram has died at the age of 30, South Korean media reported today (April 12). A statement by her agency Xanadu Entertainment read: 'Park Bo-ram suddenly passed away late at night on April 11. 'Our hearts are deeply troubled as we deliver this sudden news to her fans. Her wake and funeral proceedings will be scheduled after...
Source: asiaonecom - 🏆 10. / 59 Read more »

South Korean Singer Park Bo-ram Dies Unexpectedly at Age 30South Korean singer Park Bo-ram passed away at the age of 30 after being found unconscious in a bathroom. The cause of her death is currently under police investigation.
Source: straits_times - 🏆 5. / 69 Read more »

Korean Singer Park Bo-ram Dies at Age 30Korean singer Park Bo-ram has passed away suddenly at the age of 30. Her agency confirmed the news and stated that her wake and funeral arrangements will be made in consultation with her family.
Source: asiaonecom - 🏆 10. / 59 Read more »

New Zealand ram put down after death of elderly coupleWELLINGTON: A ram in New Zealand has been shot and killed by police after it was blamed for the deaths of an elderly couple in a farm paddock, authorities and local media said. The man and woman were found "deceased" on Thursday (Apr 18) morning at the property in West Auckland.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Temple clerk charged with embezzling more than S$150,000 in cash donations from devoteesGoh Bee Hiang was handed two counts of criminal breach of trust for allegedly pocketing cash donations between 2018 and 2019.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »