With a notable rise in app users and bookings following the opening of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya is set to emerge as one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.
After the opening of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya is expected to rank among the most popular tourist attractions in India as spiritual tourism grows. OYO’s Ritesh Aggarwal has disclosed that “Ayodhya saw a 70% jump in OYO app users vs Goa (50%) and Nainital (60%)” and gives insight into how its popularity is growing every day.
‘Occupancy rates increased to 100%, with some hotels charging Rs 7,000 per night.’
Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, claims that there is a 4x increase in bookings for Ayodhya over the previous year and a 5x increase in searches year over year.
According to Moneycontrol, Magow noted, “At the moment, room night bookings in Ayodhya are almost 10% of the top pilgrimage sites in the country, so the potential for growth is significant.”
According to EaseMyTrip, which cited trends, “the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya is expecting an initial attendance of nearly 7,000 guests, projecting a daily footfall of three to five lakh visitors post-inauguration, presenting significant economic opportunities.”
“Ayodhya’s hotels are fully booked ahead of the inauguration, allowing them to take advantage of increased pricing.” The increase in occupancy from 80% to 100% has led to significant price increases, with some hotels now charging as much as ₹70,000 per night.”
Significant infrastructure development is taking place in Ayodhya.
The data indicates to the growing potential of the tourist business in the region. With plans for 73 additional properties, 40 of which are presently under development, Ayodhya is currently seeing tremendous infrastructure growth.
Before the Ram Mandir officially opens, OYO intends to build 50 hotels and residences with a combined 1,000 rooms, for a total of 10,000 rooms. There are thirty dharmshalas, twenty luxury hotels, and 150 economical hotels in this lodging arrangement.
“These new accommodations will be strategically positioned near Ayodhya’s significant monuments, ensuring quick access for tourists visiting the city’s renowned attractions,” an OYO spokeswoman told Mint.
In the meantime, the Radisson Hotel Group opened Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya, a hotel for travelers in the mid-to luxury class.
“From Ayodhya Cantt Railway Station and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, the property is conveniently accessible by car or taxi. For those who are driving, there is plenty of parking available. The hotel is close to several important sites, including Sita ki Rasoi, the Hanuman Garhi Temple, and the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. According to KB Kachru of the Radisson Hotel Group
Is spiritual travel the upcoming big thing?
Numerous travel agencies have reported that “spiritual tourism” is becoming more popular among elders as well as families, couples, and millennials.
Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel, stated, “What is noteworthy is that Young India is exploring “spiritual plus” tourism combining pilgrimage/spiritual with local food and cultural trails, as well as adventure experiences of the destination.”
Puri emerged as the most popular spiritual destination, followed by Amritsar, Varanasi, and Haridwar, according to OYO’s year-end booking data.
“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,” the OYO representative told Mint, projecting the development potential in this category.
