- Apparel, F&B and hospitality chains flock to spiritual centers like Dwarka and Bodh Gaya.
- Government efforts to improve air, road and rail links in these areas are helping to boost pedestrian numbers.
- The most popular pilgrimage sites attract between 10 million and 30 million tourists each year, Jeffries said.
India’s retail boom has reached even its most major religious centres.there is
Not to be outdone, food and beverage chains like Domino’s Pizza, KFC and Burger King have also established a presence in isolated religious places like Puri, Katra and Ajmer.
While much has been said about the growth of Ayodhya’s retail and hospitality industry, the expansion of retail chains across the country’s pilgrimage destinations is growing slowly but steadily.
“This trend reflects a broader shift in traveler preferences, with travelers seeking transformative experiences that go beyond traditional rituals. The rise of urban spiritual tourism is responding to this desire. , attracting tourists to cities known for their deep religious and spiritual meaning,” said a report by real estate consultancy CBRE.
The report states that Amritsar, Ajmer, Varanasi, Katra, Somnath, Shirdi, Ayodhya, Puri, Tirupati, Mathura, Dwarka, Bodh Gaya, Guruvayur and
Retail brands are adapting their products not only to high street locations but also to mall clusters. “Local governments and businesses are working together to create unique retail experiences. This includes incorporating local practices into the design and offering of stores, restaurants and hotels,” CBRE said. Masu.
Cities like Amritsar, Varanasi, Madurai, Puri and Guruvayur leverage their unique culinary traditions and local fashion expertise to offer tourists a taste of the city beyond spirituality.
Infrastructure development supports rapid increase in spiritual tourism
According to a Jefferies report, India’s most popular religious center attracts between 10 million and 30 million tourists annually despite existing infrastructure bottlenecks. And most such cities are currently undergoing infrastructure upgrades that will foster growth.
State and national governments are working to improve roads, airports, and public transportation. We also support the development of hotels, guesthouses, and wellness centers to provide a comfortable stay for tourists.
“The rapid expansion of spiritual tourism in India is driving the growth of the faith-based tourism market in the country. Government efforts to promote tourism and improve connectivity between pilgrimage destinations will further fuel this growth. “It’s accelerating. The rise of online retail platforms that provide easy access to faith-based products and services is also a key factor.”
Jeffries estimates Ayodhya’s average footfall is 50 million, but other pilgrimage sites are also growing rapidly. “India boasts of a wide variety of tourism types, including historical monuments, cultural heritage sites, beaches, hill stations, etc. Religious tourism remains the largest segment of Indian tourism,” he added.
Along with retail chains, luxury hospitality brands are expanding into these cities. In addition to Taj, ITC, Lemon Tree, and Novotel,
“Major hotel chains are adapting to the evolving tastes of spiritual travelers, offering clean, hygienic, family-friendly accommodations at premium prices. Branded hotels are emerging as major players. It offers a blend of comfort and traditional hospitality tailored to spiritual seekers,” said CBRE.
