Latest news with #MahaKumbhSpiritualSurvey
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
With per pilgrim spend pegged at Rs 5.8k, Prayagraj Maha Kumbh contributed Rs 3.8 lakh crore to UP's economy: Survey
1 2 Lucknow: A single pilgrim who visited the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh spent an estimated Rs 5,877.63, revealed a survey commissioned by the union ministry of tourism and culture. The spending patterns showed that tourists allocated 41.11% of their expenses to travel, 16.64% to accommodation, 11.24% to food, 11.08% to religious items, 2.13% to entertainment, 7.42% to shopping, and 10.38% to other miscellaneous heads. Considering that the Maha Kumbh recorded a footfall of 66 crore, the figure translates into a hefty Rs 3.88 lakh crore. Reacting to the findings, the minister for tourism and culture, Thakur Jaiveer Singh, said: "It is evident that the Maha Kumbh contributed immensely to the state's economy." Titled 'Maha Kumbh Spiritual Survey–2025', the exercise interviewed 3,52,388 pilgrims from across different parts of the world to draw conclusions. The survey exercise was conducted between Jan 28 and Feb 26, 2025, at various locations in Prayagraj, including Teliarganj, Jhunsi, Arail, and Parade Ground. Of the total, 1,093 participants hailed from foreign countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji. The survey was anchored by Deloitte and aided by the All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG). The survey revealed that pilgrims visited Ayodhya and Varanasi during the Maha Kumbh, and the holy trinity of Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Varanasi were termed as the top spiritual tourist destinations among both domestic and international visitors. "It was interesting to note that among previous visits, 27.32% of respondents last visited Ayodhya, 22.68% visited Sangam in Prayagraj, and 8.81% visited Varanasi. Also, for future visits, 32.57% preferred Sangam, 12.46% Ayodhya, and 7.46% Varanasi. In terms of overall favourite destinations, 22.55% chose Ayodhya, 19.96% chose Sangam, and 12.72% chose Varanasi," said officials concerned. They said the survey also shed light on visitor preferences for travelling solo or with family. The findings showed that while domestic tourists often travelled with family, foreign travellers preferred travelling alone. "About 40% of Indian tourists visited with family, 30.88% alone, and 29.13% with friends. Among foreign tourists, 55.26% travelled alone, 24.43% with family, and 20.31% with friends," they said. Tourism principal secretary Mukesh Meshram said, "The findings would be studied in detail by departmental experts, and the learnings from it would be tweaked in future planning."
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
During Mahakumbh, Ayodhya leads as most preferred spiritual destination: Survey
Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi have emerged as the most preferred spiritual and tourist destinations among both Indian and international visitors, according to a survey conducted during the Mahakumbh 2025. The survey, commissioned by the department of tourism and culture and conducted by Deloitte, a global consulting and advisory firm, captured insights from over 3.5 lakh pilgrims, shedding light on travel trends and economic contributions linked to spiritual tourism. In terms of overall favourites, Ayodhya led with 22.55% of respondents naming it as their top choice. Sangam in Prayagraj followed at 19.96%, while Varanasi received 12.72% of the votes. Mathura stood at 6.31%, and Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar at 2.67%. A total of 3,52,388 pilgrims participated in the survey, including 1,093 foreign tourists from countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji. Minister of tourism and culture Jaiveer Singh, announcing the findings, said, the data collection for the 'Maha Kumbh Spiritual Survey–2025' took place from January 28 to February 26, at multiple points in Prayagraj including Teliarganj, Jhunsi, Arail, and Parade Ground. 'The initiative aims to identify key pilgrimage locations for focused development in coming years,' he said. Findings show that each pilgrim spent an average of ₹5,877.63 during their visit, contributing notably to the state's economy. The cumulative expenditure points to a major boost in Uttar Pradesh's tourism-led GDP during the Mahakumbh period). The study also revealed distinct travel preferences. Among domestic pilgrims, 40% travelled with their families, while 30.88% journeyed alone and 29.13% came with friends. In comparison, 55.26% of foreign tourists travelled solo. Only 24.43% of international visitors were accompanied by family and 20.31% by friends. These patterns help understand the kind of infrastructure and services that might be required at different pilgrimage sites. When asked about the last spiritual site visited, 27.32% of respondents named Ayodhya, followed by 22.68% who cited the Sangam in Prayagraj. Varanasi was the last visited destination for 8.81% of pilgrims, while 3.21% had been to Jammu & Kashmir and 3.05% to Mathura. Looking ahead, 32.57% of pilgrims said they intend to visit the Sangam in Prayagraj next. Ayodhya is on the future travel list for 12.46% of respondents, while 7.46% chose Varanasi, 3.77% selected Mathura, and 3.20% mentioned Akshardham as their upcoming destination.
