In the serene landscape of Ayodhya, a remarkable shift is unfolding as the city takes center stage in the realm of spiritual tourism. With search trends surpassing popular destinations like Goa and Nainital, and room rates scaling beyond Rs.70,000, Ayodhya is becoming a sought-after pilgrimage site and cultural hub. This article delves into the burgeoning interest in Ayodhya, exploring the surge in hotel bookings, the significant infrastructural growth underway, and the city's potential to become a global spiritual center. Join us on a journey through the evolving landscape of Ayodhya, where spirituality meets economic opportunities and where 'spiritual plus' tourism is reshaping travel experiences for visitors across diverse segments.
Is 'spiritual tourism' the next big trend? According to Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, Ayodhya is experiencing a fivefold increase in searches year-on-year, with four times more bookings compared to last year.
Magow stated, "At the moment, room night bookings in Ayodhya are almost 10 percent of the top pilgrimage sites in the country, so the potential for growth is significant," as reported by Moneycontrol.
The upcoming consecration ceremony in Ayodhya anticipates an initial attendance of nearly 7,000 guests, projecting a daily footfall of three to five lakh visitors post-inauguration. This presents substantial economic opportunities, according to EaseMyTrip.
Leading up to the inauguration, Ayodhya's hotels are fully booked, allowing them to capitalize on increased pricing. Occupancy rates have surged from 80% to 100%, leading to substantial price hikes, reaching up to Rs.70,000 per night in select hotels.
Ayodhya's Tourism Sector Undergoes Significant Infrastructural Growth
The data highlights the growth potential of the tourism sector in the region. Ayodhya is currently undergoing significant infrastructural development, with plans for 73 new properties, including 40 currently under construction.
OYO's ambitious plans include the addition of 50 hotels and homes with 1,000 rooms before the grand opening of the Ram Mandir, totaling 10,000 rooms. This diverse accommodation setup comprises 150 economy hotels, 30 dharmshalas, and 20 luxury hotels.
An OYO spokesperson stated, "These new properties will be strategically located near Ayodhya's prominent landmarks, ensuring convenient access for visitors exploring the city's iconic attractions."
For tourists in the mid to luxury category, the Radisson Hotel Group has launched Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya, providing easy access to key landmarks.
Notably, Various travel companies indicate that 'spiritual tourism' is gaining interest across diverse segments, including families, couples, millennials, and seniors.
Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel, noted, "What is noteworthy is that Young India is exploring 'spiritual plus' tourism, combining pilgrimage/spiritual activities with local food and cultural trails, as well as adventure experiences of the destination."
OYO's year-end booking data reveal that Puri secured the top spot as the most booked spiritual destination, with Amritsar, Varanasi, and Haridwar following suit.
Predicting substantial growth in this segment, an OYO spokesperson told Mint, "We believe the tourism industry could see a tenfold increase in tourism by 2024, making Ayodhya a global spiritual center akin to Vatican City and Mecca."
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