Hyderabad: Foreign tourist arrivals in Maharashtra more than doubled over the last three years, increasing from 1.512 million in 2022 to 3.705 million in 2024, the Union Ministry of Tourism informed Parliament.
The ministry said Maharashtra recorded 3.388 million foreign tourist visits in 2023 before registering further growth in 2024. With this rise, the state accounted for the highest share of foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2024 at 17.69 per cent.
Officials said the growth reflected sustained promotional efforts by the Ministry of Tourism in global tourism-generating markets. These efforts included participation in international travel fairs, tourism roadshows and overseas events. In addition, the ministry organised familiarisation tours for foreign tour operators, media and influencers to showcase Indian destinations.
The ministry said it carried out these promotional activities in coordination with Indian missions abroad, state governments and industry stakeholders, including the Maharashtra government. It also promoted Indian tourism through food festivals and digital campaigns on social media platforms.
Tourism schemes support foreign tourist arrivals growth
To strengthen tourism infrastructure, the ministry said it provided financial assistance to states under multiple schemes. These included Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and the Challenge Based Destination Development sub-scheme.
The ministry also extended support through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment and the PRASHAD scheme. Officials said these initiatives aimed to improve visitor facilities and enhance the overall tourist experience.
The ministry said it regularly held consultations with state tourism departments, including Maharashtra, to review promotion strategies and infrastructure needs. These meetings focused on resolving bottlenecks and aligning central schemes with state-level priorities.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the data in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on February 5, 2026. He said the continued rise in foreign tourist arrivals underlined Maharashtra’s position as a key gateway for international visitors to India.
