Gandhinagar, Feb 5 (NationPress) In 2024, Gujarat has secured its position as the third most favored state for international tourists in India, reflecting a robust resurgence in global travel, as reported by the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

This ranking is indicative of a broader national recovery, with foreign tourist arrivals in India soaring to 9.95 million during the year, and total international visits climbing to 20.5 million, marking a significant 14.85 percent increase compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

The ministry's statistics show that Maharashtra and West Bengal rank above Gujarat for foreign tourist numbers, with Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan completing the top five.

On the global stage, India ranked 20th in international tourist arrivals for 2024. The tourism sector continues to play a vital role in job creation, supporting approximately 84.6 million jobs during the 2023–24 period, as indicated by the data.

Officials attribute this success to ongoing policy support and infrastructure advancements, including targeted assistance to states for capital investments and the rollout of central initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0.

These initiatives aim at enhancing connectivity, visitor amenities, and destination management across key tourism routes.

In Gujarat, the promotion of religious, cultural, ecological, and modern attractions has spurred increased interest among foreign tourists. In 2024, international travelers explored various destinations, including significant pilgrimage sites, heritage landmarks, wildlife reserves, and contemporary attractions.

The Somnath Jyotirlinga continues to draw visitors globally, while Dwarka remains a key site for spiritual tourism. Gir National Park, home to the Asiatic lion, attracted wildlife lovers, and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, recognized as the world's tallest statue, continues to be a major draw for foreign visitors.

Tourists have also flocked to the unique white desert of Kutch, especially during the Rann Utsav, offering a special blend of landscape and cultural experiences.

These sites collectively contribute significantly to the state's foreign tourist influx, welcoming millions of travelers each year.

The ministry noted that Gujarat's achievements mirror the collaborative efforts of both central and state governments to elevate Indian destinations on the global tourism map.

Large-scale initiatives and destination-centric programs aim to enhance the visitor experience while diversifying tourist traffic beyond conventional hotspots.

With foreign tourist arrivals ranking Gujarat third nationally in 2024, the state's diverse offerings of heritage, nature, and modern attractions have solidified its position in India's tourism industry, alongside broader national advancements in international travel and job creation.