India Faith Based Tourism Market

India Faith Based Tourism Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the India faith based tourism market size is estimated at US$ 1,025.57 million in 2023 at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2023 to 2033. Indian faith based tourism market share in its parent market is about 6%-11%.

Religion-based tourism has been recognized as of significant importance by the Indian government and efforts are being made to promote and develop these destinations. Government support for tourism includes improving infrastructure, preserving heritage sites, and facilitating travel and accommodations.

The religious heritage and cultural richness of India make religious tourism an important component of its overall tourism market. Few of such schemes are Government of India has set a target of 20 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2020 and aims to double foreign exchange earnings from the sector:

• PRASAD, the Ministry of Tourism aimed to transform pilgrimages into spiritual centers.
• Swadesh Darshan Scheme, This scheme promotes tourism in specific regions by developing thematic circuits.
• The E-Visa Facility, India's electronic visa system, helps foreign tourists qualify for and obtain visas online, including those traveling on faith-based missions.
• Infrastructure Development, Tourism and pilgrimage sites have been developed and improved with government investments to enhance their experiences.
• Marketing Campaigns: The Ministry of Tourism in India runs campaigns aimed at showcasing the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the country to faith-based tourists.
• Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), aims to promote and preserve cultural and religious heritage in heritage cities.

India's rich diversity of religious traditions may encourage travelers to explore and understand religious diversity through interfaith tourism. As a result, mutual respect and cultural understanding may be fostered in future.

Attribute	Details
India Faith Based Tourism Market Estimated Size (2023)	US$ 1,025.57 million
India Faith Based Tourism Market Projected Size	US$ 4,602.85 million
India Faith Based Tourism Market Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033)	16.2%

The rapid growth of spiritual tourism in India is driving the Indian faith based tourism market. The Indian government's tourism programs, such as Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive, are creating a positive outlook for the market.

The large number of tourists drawn to religious events is helping to grow the Indian faith based tourism market. Aside from that, the tourism, roadway, and railway sectors are working to improve connectivity between pilgrimage sites, thereby boosting market growth.

Another major growth driver is the expansion of online retail channels. Furthermore, the growing integration of virtual reality (VR) with religious and spiritual services is expected to propel the Indian faith based tourism market forward.

2018 to 2022 India Faith Based Tourism Market Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecasts

• Faith-based tourism in India continued to grow from 2018 to 2022, but factors influencing travel decisions were more emphasized.
• A myriad of spiritual destinations in India fueled the resurgence of the Indian tourism industry, increasing interest in spiritual tourism.
• According to Ministry of Tourism data released in 2022, religious tourism places earned 1,34,543 crore, an increase from 65,070 crore in 2021.
• 70% Indian travelers are expected to seek spiritual retreats like meditation and mindfulness in 2023.
• Silent retreats are planned by 63 percent of respondents.
• As noted by ITC Hotels, spiritual tourism has grown in popularity in India, attracting travelers not only from India but also from around the globe, and resulting in an increase in hotel occupancy rates in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
• Faith-based tourism could be promoted and facilitated more effectively through digital platforms as technology advances.
• A virtual tour, augmented reality experience, or interactive app might be developed to enhance the visitor's experience.

Digital India and New Technologies to Grow the Market

The Indian economy's amazing success is the primary factor for the boosting the India faith based tourism market future trends. As a means of supporting faith-based tourism in India, the government has invested in transportation, lodging, better roads, health care, and hygiene.

The sector has invested in new technologies, such as art of security systems, to promote expansion of religious tourism. India is a really interesting nation with a lot to offer travellers. India's rich culture, tradition, and history alone attract a large number of religious tourists each year.

Trends Shaping India Faith Based Tourism Market

Religious tourism is both contributing to and benefiting from the country's overall growth in the travel and tourism sector. The dynamic India faith based tourism market growth trend has been shaped by a growing middle class and rising disposable income.

Aside from Indian residents, the segment's popularity among overseas Indians and foreigners has steadily increased over the years. With Yoga retreats and Ayurvedic spas gaining popularity among both domestic and foreign tourists, India faith based tourism market is taking on a spiritual and medical twist.

A growing number of domestic and international tourists seeking indigenous cultural experiences visit Rishikesh, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, and Pondicherry to investigate the concept of holistic and sustainable living.

Foreign tourists' strong interest in retreats and spiritual travel has prompted the government to promote international inbound tourism by expanding the 'Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) scheme' to 11 countries escalating the India faith based tourism market future trends.

An Explosion of Online Social Media Contributing to the India Faith Based Tourism

A large number of Indians use social media; approximately 508 million Indians use social media platforms. This allows the player to aggressively market their deals and packages on sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

An increase in the number of travel bloggers has impacted positively in surge of the India faith based tourism adoption trends as well as the India faith based tourism market opportunities.

Travel blogs have grown in popularity as a source of travel information. Bloggers share their travel experiences and are typically regarded as reliable sources of information. They shape readers' attitudes and impressions of locations, influencing travel decisions.

Religion to Revive Opportunities for the India Faith Based Tourism Market

• Tourism, transportation infrastructures, and technology employment have become of utmost importance with millions of pilgrims visiting Indian pilgrimage sites each year.
• Despite the fact that most religious centres in the country have short but intense seasons, this opportunity has arisen.
• Various traditions and cultural practises increase tourist footfall, putting a strain on transportation, city infrastructure, and site management.
• The high footfall of religious tourism destinations in India poses challenges for the industry.
• These concerns are being addressed by a national tourism authority that would streamline processes.
• New solutions have also been developed through international collaborations and agreements.
• The government is working to address challenges associated with religious tourism.
• Governments provide an opportunity for Indian and foreign firms to innovate and create solutions for India faith based tourism market.
• Religious tourism offers travelers the opportunity to interact with local communities, engage in charitable activities, and make a positive impact on society.

Government Initiatives Expected to Boost the Faith Based Tourism Market in India.

When it comes to India faith based tourism market, the government of India, along with other state governments, work hand in hand. The government recognizes the significance of tourism to the Indian economy.

Guidelines for the National Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD). The Indian government has cleared the way for the development and expansion of this section of Indian tourism.

Religious tour and travel spending has more than quadrupled in recent years. In line with this, the Government of India has allocated US$185 million in the 2018-19 Budget for the development of tourism circuits under the Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) initiatives.

Future Expansions of Faith Based Tourism Industry in India

• The Indian culture and local customs make it one of the most popular countries for religious tourism in the South Asian area.
• India faith-based tourism market future trends are skyrocketing as religious tourism grows in importance in the region.
• According to ixigo.com data, there has been a month-on-month increase in hotel bookings of more than 50% for Puri, more than 30% for Varanasi, and more than 30% for other spiritual and religious locations like Tirupatyi, Shirdi, and so on.

Category-wise Insights

Faith-based tourism is especially popular with the aged and senior citizens.

• With regard to age group, 46-55-year-old bracket is predicted to increase significantly over the research period.
• Besides visiting religious sites, this demographic is interested in visiting art, culture, customs, and architecture sites.
• Having leisure time and group travel services available has further contributed to the expansion of the market.
• With the increasing number of government-sponsored programs, tourism travel services have expanded and the demand has increased.

Package travel has the largest percentage share in the travel type sector

• Travel package operators offer a variety of packages, including personalized tours, thereby attracting tourists to the market.
• As opposed to other types of tours, package tours often include a number of amenities, including hotels, meals, large discounts, and so forth.
• As cost savings and seasonal discounts increase, faith-based tourism in India will grow.
• Due to increased safety and security in the market for solo travelers and kids, package travelers are in high demand.
• Package tours focused on specific interests, such as wildlife exploration, adventure travel, culinary immersion, and cultural immersion are available to those with specific interests.
• Travelers can feel a sense of camaraderie on many package tours designed for large groups.
• Package tours encourage social interaction and shared experiences, enhancing the travel experience for company lovers.
• The introduction of structured itinerary management and the complete management of trips has resulted in a significant expansion of the market.

Convenience is the key!

• Booking through the internet made up a significant portion of the market.
• With an easy-to-use interface and 24/7 availability, the service is available around the clock.
• Internet travel providers like Yatra.com, Expedia, and Ibibo are helping to attract faith-based tourists to India.
• Customization and flexibility will continue to contribute to market growth.
• With the increasing availability of information and reviews online, there has been a significant increase in the number of visitors and tourists in the market.
• Real-time updates, recommendations, accommodation, and experiences have all significantly added to the growth of the market.
• Every year, millions of domestic travelers seek to visit sacred sites, embark on pilgrimages, and immerse themselves in local religious practices.

Domestic Travelers are the Market's Largest Revenue Source

• Religious fervor accounts for over 60% of domestic travel in India.
• Contrary to other forms of tourism, religious tourism caters to people of all ages and financial levels, claiming the India faith based tourism market.
• According to an India faith based tourism market survey performed by the Delhi-based Lokniti - Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), one in every four Indians is interested in visiting holy sites.
• Religious sites are popular pilgrimage destinations as well as holiday destinations in India. Despite the fact that pilgrimage is primarily a family event, records show that spending on religious travel has more than quadrupled in recent years.
• A total of 1,433 million domestic tourists visited Indian pilgrimages in 2022, while 6.64 million foreign visitors arrived.
• The number of people in 2021 was 677 million, while the number of people in 2020 was 1.05 million.
• India celebrates numerous religious festivals with great enthusiasm and fervor.
• These events are popular among domestic travelers who strive to immerse themselves in the country's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
• Increasing interstate travel and easy transportation have increased the market in recent years.
• Yoga and meditation are also attracting a large number of spiritual seekers and wellness enthusiasts.
• Domestic travelers seeking spiritual experiences can find specialized faith-based tour packages offered by many travel agencies and tour operators.

Government Initiatives

The Government of India's Ministry of Tourism has launched the Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan project, which is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Tourism, Culture, the Department of Archaeology Survey of India, and State/UT Governments to develop tourism amenities at heritage/natural/tourist sites across India in a planned and phased manner.

The project's goal is to encourage government and non-government organizations, corporate citizens, charities, individuals, and other stakeholders to form Monument Mitras (Friends of Monuments) to construct and upgrade basic and specialized tourist amenities at these sites. Religious/faith-based tourism is expected to grow in the country as a result of these initiatives.

Competitive Landscape

Companies are focusing on product development as well as specialized categories driving demand, creating opportunities for package customization. Faith-based tourism is growing in popularity in South Asia, pushing the Indian tourist industry.

• On May 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Guwahati to facilitate waterway connections between seven religious sites. It is proposed to provide a service that allows passengers to hop on and off boats. A link was created between the seven historic and religious sites located in and around the city of Guwahati. The Kamakhyas, Pandunaths, Aswaklantas, Umanandas, Chakreshwars, and Auniati Satras are some of them.
• On April 2023, the 'Vande Bharat' project will bring faith, technology, and tourism together. Various projects worth over Rs. 11,300 crores were also dedicated to the nation at Parade Ground in the state of Telangana by the prime minister.

Scope of the Report

Attribute	Details
Market Size Value in 2023	US$ 1,025.57 million
Market Forecast Value in 2033	US$ 4,602.85 million
Global Growth Rate	16.2% CAGR
Forecast Period	2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for	2018 to 2022
Market Analysis	MT for Volume and US$ million for Value
Kay Segments Covered	Tourism Type, Booking Channel, Tourist Type, Age Group, Consumer Orientation, Tour Type, Region
Key Companies Profiles	Thomas Cook (India) Ltd; Cox & Kings Ltd; Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd; MakeMyTrip; Yatra Online Pvt Ltd; International Travel House Ltd; TravelGuru; Expedia; Ibibo Group; SOTC Travel Limited; Kesari Tours; Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation; Cleartrip; EasyMyTrip; Balmer Lawrie Travel & Vacations; redBus; ixigo.com; Others
Customization & Pricing	Available Upon Request

India Faith Based Tourism Market by Category

By Tourism Type:

• Day Trips & Local Gateways
• Museums
• Pilgrimages
• Religious and Heritage Tours
• Others

By Booking Channel:

• Phone Booking
• Online Booking
• In Person Booking

By Tourist Type:

• Domestic
• International

By Age Group:

• 15-25 Years
• 26-35 Years
• 36-45 Years
• 46-55 Years
• 66-75 Years

By Consumer Orientation:

• Men
• Women
• Children

By Tour Type:

• Independent Travellers
• Tour Groups
• Package Travellers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Indian Faith Based tourism market value?

The market is valued at US$ 1,025.57 million in 2023.

What are the key trends driving the India faith-based tourism market?

The key trends are government support for tourism by improving infrastructure and facilitating travel and accommodations.

What are the Available Opportunities in the India Faith-Based Tourism Market?

Governments allow Indian and foreign firms to innovate and create solutions for India's faith-based tourism market.

What Age Group is More Likely to Contribute to India's Faith-Based Tourism Market?

Faith-based tourism is especially popular with the aged and senior citizens aged 46-55 years old.

Who are the Key Players in the India Faith-Based Tourism Market?

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, Cox & Kings Ltd, and Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd are the key players in the market.