Gujarat among top 3 states visited by foreign tourists since 2024

Story by ANI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 05-02-2026

Representational image

Gandhinagar

India’s tourism industry staged a strong comeback in 2024, with foreign tourist arrivals touching 99.5 lakh and total international tourist visits reaching 2.05 crore, registering a 14.85 per cent rise compared to the pre-COVID year of 2019.

Amid this nationwide recovery, Gujarat has secured the position of the third most visited state by foreign tourists, underscoring its growing appeal among international travellers and its expanding presence on the global tourism landscape.

According to an official release, this achievement reflects sustained efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to highlight the state’s cultural heritage, natural diversity and modern attractions. Their focus on strengthening Gujarat’s visibility as a global destination has not only enhanced the state’s tourism profile but has also contributed significantly to India’s overall tourism growth.

Data shared by the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture shows that Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan were the top five states in terms of foreign tourist visits in 2024. The ministry further noted that India ranked 20th worldwide in international tourist arrivals during the year, with employment in the tourism sector rising to 8.46 crore in 2023–24.

The growth has been supported by central government initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Challenge-Based Destination Development scheme and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment, which aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote integrated destination development across states.

Gujarat has effectively aligned these national programmes with its own focus on spiritual tourism, eco-tourism, heritage conservation and iconic destinations. The coordination between central and state initiatives has helped the state remain at the forefront of India’s tourism revival.

The release highlighted that Gujarat’s rise as the third most visited state by foreign tourists is the outcome of collaborative efforts between the Government of India and the state government. Landmark projects such as the Statue of Unity and initiatives like the Vibrant Village programme have set new standards in tourism development, enhancing visitor experiences and reinforcing India’s image globally.

Foreign visitors to Gujarat in 2024 were drawn to the state’s wide range of attractions that combine spirituality, culture, wildlife and contemporary landmarks. The Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, continued to attract devotees from around the world, while Dwarka, associated with Lord Krishna, remained a key spiritual destination.

Gir National Park, the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, emerged as a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rare and distinctive experience. The Statue of Unity at Kevadia, the world’s tallest statue, further strengthened Gujarat’s tourism identity as a symbol of national unity and engineering excellence.

The Rann of Kutch, known for its vast White Desert and the colourful Rann Utsav, added to the state’s cultural appeal by offering visitors a unique and immersive experience. Collectively, these destinations played a crucial role in positioning Gujarat as the third-largest state in terms of foreign tourist visits in 2024, the release said.