Himachal Pradesh's Foreign Tourism Crashes to a Shocking 0.33% of National Total in 2023: Post-Pandemic Struggles Hit Hard

Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, has experienced a significant decline in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2023. The state recorded only 62,806 FTA visits, representing a mere 0.33% of India's total FTAs for the year.

This figure is a stark contrast to pre-pandemic numbers, where the state welcomed 470,992 foreign tourists in 2017, 356,568 in 2018, and 382,876 in 2019.

Comparative Performance Among States

In comparison, other Indian states have shown varying degrees of recovery in foreign tourism. Goa, for instance, recorded 452,692 FTAs in 2023, while Uttarakhand saw 143,027.

Domestic Tourism Shows Promise

Despite the downturn in international tourism, Himachal Pradesh has seen a resurgence in domestic tourism. In 2023, the state welcomed approximately 15 million domestic visitors, indicating a robust interest from within the country.

However, foreign arrivals remain at just 20% of pre-COVID levels, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to attract international tourists.

Concerns Over Government Initiatives