JAIPUR / Rajasthan is stepping up efforts to make tourism a key driver of economic growth and employment, with the state recording 10.85 crore domestic tourists and 8.45 lakh foreign visitors till June this year, according to the state government.
Tourist footfall has risen sharply in recent years. In 2023, Rajasthan received 17.90 crore domestic and 17 lakh foreign tourists, while the numbers rose to 25.25 crore domestic and 19.45 lakh foreign tourists in 2025. The state ranked fifth nationally in tourist visits in 2024.
Under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the government has proposed tourism infrastructure and facility development works worth more than ₹5,000 crore. The focus is on promoting religious, rural, heritage, eco and adventure tourism while integrating these with the state’s art, handicrafts, cuisine and folk culture.
The government has introduced the Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy-2024, Rajasthan Tourism Policy-2025 and Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy-2025 to encourage private investment, expand tourism infrastructure and promote Rajasthan as a destination for national and international film productions.
The 25th IIFA Awards in Jaipur and the first Wed in India Expo have also helped strengthen the state’s tourism and global branding. The Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart and Indian Responsible Tourism State Summit and Award were organised in Jaipur to promote domestic and responsible tourism.
Tourist safety has been given priority, with the Tourist Assistance Force launching a special campaign in February 2024. The government said action was taken against around 1,583 persons, while an online feedback system was introduced at major tourist destinations and government monuments.
The state is also promoting its cultural heritage through initiatives such as the Ghoomar Festival-2025 and Rajasthani Food Festivals. With UNESCO India’s support, 214 artists and handicraft workers were trained in self-employment, while heritage certificates were issued to 81 heritage hotels and properties.
Religious tourism has received a boost, with 1.12 lakh senior citizens facilitated to undertake pilgrimages under the state scheme. Heritage conservation is also being pursued, including restoration and upgradation of museums, forts, stepwells and seven cultural panoramas across the state.
The government aims to leverage tourism, heritage, art and culture to create new employment and self-employment opportunities while strengthening Rajasthan’s position among India’s leading and global tourist destinations.