INDIA FAITH BASED TOURISM MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

India Faith Based Tourism Market Size and Trends

The India faith-based tourism market is estimated to be valued at USD 1,180.4 Mn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3,158.9 Mn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.1% from 2024 to 2031.

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Faith based tourism is an important segment in India's tourism industry, with many popular religious destinations that attract domestic and international devotees. The market is expected to witness positive growth over the forecast period driven by increasing disposable income and willingness of people to spend on religious trips. Various government initiatives to improve infrastructure and promote religious tourism are also driving more visits to popular pilgrimage sites. However, market growth can be impacted by risks such as social and political instability or pandemic outbreaks affecting travel.

Rising Spirituality and Religious Sentiment

As India progresses economically, there has been a rise in disposable incomes and increased standard of living. In this era of rapid urbanization and modernization, ancient practices and value systems that gave comfort and guidance are slowly disappearing. More and more people feel disconnected with their roots and are left searching for meaning and purpose. This is driving them to explore their spiritual and religious sides for answers.  While megacities offer a plethora of distractions and entertainment, they fail to fulfill one's emotional and mental well-being. People are discovering that mere material wealth cannot guarantee happiness and peace of mind. They want to break away from their mundane routine and hectic schedules to indulge in activities that nourish their soul. Visiting religious places of worship allows them to find inner peace, draw strength from faith, and reconnect with their culture and heritage. It is a way for introspection and meditating in spiritual environs away from daily hustle bustle. The serenity and positive energy in temples and other holy sites work wonders in reducing stress and elevating mood. Pilgrimage tourism allows people to undertake sacred journeys, perform rituals, and receive blessings they believe will fulfill destinies. Several circuits are gradually becoming popular faith-based routes that follow footprints of ancient gods and teachings of religious gurus. Performing rituals, which often include circumambulation of temples, nature trails, community prayers, and fasting elicit strong emotions. For many, it marks an important life event or occasion of celebration and offering of prayers. The shared spiritual experience in group pilgrimages fosters camaraderie and strengthens social bonds as well. In effect, it is emerging as a means to discover inner self and connect at a deeper human level with fellow travelers.

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India is home to many religions and spiritual heritages that attract millions of national and international pilgrims every year. The varied faith based places of worship and pilgrimage sites enable India to emerge as one of the global hubs of faith based tourism. Visits to shrines and temples are an integral part of people's spiritual journey in India.  Some of the major faiths prevalent in India like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam have countless religious sites that have been drawing devoted followers for ages. For example, places like Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ajmer Sharif, Mathura, Amritsar, Dharamshala, Sarnath attract pilgrims throughout the year for spiritual and religious activities like rituals, prayers, offerings etc as per the customs. In recent times, India has also witnessed increasing visits by international tourists who want to experience the diverse faiths and gain spiritual insights during their tourism.  Going forward, the government of India has recognized the enormous potential of faith based tourism and is taking targeted efforts to develop infrastructure and facilitate amenities at major pilgrimage destinations. For instance, projects like development of Kedarnath temple under the 'Shri Kedarnath Udhyam Tirath Pariyojana' and Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation of Pilgrimage Destinations (RASPD) will enhance the tourism infrastructure and ensure a satisfactory pilgrimage experience. This in turn drives more domestic and international tourists towards such religious circuits.