A recent report by KPMG and PHDCCI highlights the significant growth of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism in India, exploring its economic impact and future opportunities. The report analyzes the motivations of pilgrims, the evolving nature of religious travel, and the importance of sustainable development to ensure the sector’s future success.
Pilgrimage tourism in India is experiencing a resurgence, with travel agencies reporting a surge in demand ranging from 30% to 100% compared to last summer. Despite the heat, travelers are flocking to popular pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Uttarakhand, the Char Dham circuit, and Tirupati. Hotel companies are also benefiting from the increased demand, with Sarovar Hotels & Resorts projecting a significant contribution from religious and pilgrimage travel. The hotel industry is expected to record a 7-9% revenue growth in FY25, underpinned by domestic leisure travel, including pilgrimage tourism.
