One of the ancient civilisations in the world, India is a myriad of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and legions of attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
It covers an area of 32, 87,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalaya to the tropical rain forests of the south. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical essence.
India has become one of the fervidly emerging destinations in Asia owing to its “strong cultural resources, diversity of experiences and price modernity “, a report by UK-based global market research company Euromonitor International states.
Seven Indian cities, including national capital Delhi, have made it to the Top 100 City Destinations ranking this year. Even more noteworthy, all seven cities have improved their ranking during the year.
According to the recent data published by Euromonitor International, Delhi is all set to enter the list of world’s top 10 most popular destinations in the world. Currently, the city ranks at the 11th position in the list of world’s top 100 destinations and is projected to improve substantially.
The report states “Delhi currently ranks 11th and is anticipated to increase its ranking up to the 8th spot in 2019, it is witnessing rapid development in its tourism infrastructure, having a world-class airport and is focusing on luxury, medical, sports and cultural tourism.”
The fusion of enriching history and various cultural traditions makes Delhi one of the favourite places amongst international tourists. Euromonitor International further stated, “India has gained noteworthy attention for its yoga retreats and Ayurveda practices.” A world-class airport and connectivity to most of the locations in the northern part of India has helped Delhi to increase its position in the list of top 100 most popular cities.
Delhi has witnessed an average growth of over 25% in terms of international tourists this year.
The cities have been ranked according to the estimated international arrivals. The research covers overseas visitors, or “arrivals”, staying longer than 24 hours and less than one year in over 400 cities. Arrivals include people travelling for business, leisure and to visit family or friends, but exclude those in employment, studying as well as military personnel, transportation crew, cruise passengers and people displaced by war or natural disasters.
In spite of political unrest and protests in the last few months in Hong Kong, it still remains the No.1 destination this year. However, the number of visitors arriving in Hong Kong declined in 2019.
Asia submitted the fastest growth of international arrivals globally. There are 43 cities from Asia in the “top 100 City Destination” ranking. Developed infrastructure, government’s focus on tourism and digitisation of travel facilities like e-visa are few of the causes behind Asian countries’ popularity among global tourists.
India has become one of the strongest emerging destinations in Asia, thanks to its “strong cultural resources, diversity of experiences and price competitiveness”, a report by UK-based global market research company Euromonitor International states.
Seven Indian cities, including national capital Delhi, have made it to the Top 100 City Destinations ranking this year. Even more significantly, all seven cities have improved their ranking during the year.
Mumbai, the economic capital of India, is currently at number 14 on the list and is expected to move up a place in 2019. The capital of Maharashtra will welcome 12 million tourists by the time the year is out.
Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, holds the 26th spot on the list. The city received 8 million tourists in 2018 and is projected to improve its ranking by eight spots in 2019.
The capital of Tamil Nadu – Chennai, currently at the 36th position, is likely to move up to the 31st spot in 2019. ‘Pink city’ Jaipur is predicted to take the 34th position on the list of world’s most popular city destinations in 2019, while Kolkata, currently at number 76, is projected to move up to the 74th spot on the list. Bengaluru made it to the Top 100 City Destinations ranking for the first time at position 100.
