India's Tourism Triumph: Over 7.24 Million Foreign Visitors in 2023

India's Tourism Triumph: Over 7.24 Million Foreign Visitors in 2023

By Author

Published on December 22, 2023

India's appeal as a global tourist destination continues to rebound post-pandemic, with the country witnessing a significant uptick in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs). According to the latest government data, India welcomed over 7.24 million foreign tourists till October 2023. This figure marks a notable rise from the previous years, showcasing the country's growing allure among international travelers.

Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy shared these statistics in a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha. The data, sourced from the Bureau of Immigration, reflects a steady recovery in the tourism sector. In comparison, foreign tourist arrivals were at 10.56 million in 2018, 10.93 million in 2019, but saw a sharp decline to 2.74 million in 2020 and 1.52 million in 2021 due to the pandemic. The numbers improved to 6.44 million in 2022, with 2023 already surpassing this figure by October.

In addition to these encouraging numbers, Reddy also mentioned government initiatives to further boost tourism. A notable project is the development of infrastructure and facilities at the erstwhile Bharat Gold Mines Limited (Kolar Gold Fields) into a tourist destination, undertaken by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.

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The government's focus isn't solely on new developments. Despite the non-approval of the 'Development of Iconic Tourism Destinations' scheme proposed in the Union Budget for 2019-20, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 76 projects across the country, amounting to Rs 5,294.11 crore. This includes two projects in Maharashtra and one in Odisha.

This surge in foreign tourists is a positive sign for India's tourism sector, indicating a strong recovery and renewed interest in the country's diverse cultural and natural offerings. With continuous efforts to develop and enhance tourist destinations, India is poised to reclaim its status as a leading global tourism hotspot.


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad is offering guests a taste of Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage with a specially curated Madurai Food Pop-Up at its signature dining venue, Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant.

The limited-period culinary showcase celebrates the vibrant flavours, traditional recipes, and street food culture of Madurai, often regarded as one of South India’s most iconic food destinations. Hosted in a serene rooftop setting, the experience blends regional authenticity with contemporary hospitality.

The specially curated menu features a range of signature dishes inspired by traditional Madurai kitchens and local favourites. Guests can savour preparations such as Kola Urundai, Kozhi Kulambu, Vendakkai Mandi, and Kovil Puliyodharai, each reflecting the rustic flavours and bold spice profiles associated with Tamil Nadu cuisine.

The festival also includes dishes like Mor Kulambu, Kozhi Varuval, Kudal Kulambu, Eeral Piratal, and Aattu Kari Kulambu, showcasing the depth and diversity of Madurai’s culinary traditions. One of the highlights of the menu is the much-loved Vandiyur Chicken Biryani, paired with the iconic chilled dessert beverage Jigarthanda.

Set against the elegant poolside ambience of Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, the food pop-up aims to offer more than just a dining experience by bringing together flavour, nostalgia, and cultural storytelling through food.

The showcase is open until 16th May 2026, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, inviting food lovers and regional cuisine enthusiasts to experience the essence of Madurai in Hyderabad.

Event Details

  • Venue: Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad
  • Date: Until 16th May 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Reservations: +91 9100080131 / +91 9100080130

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has unveiled its “101 Days of Summer” campaign, a property-wide seasonal residency running from May 1 to August 31, 2026, celebrating Bengaluru’s summer culture through immersive culinary, beverage, and stay experiences.

Part of the global Four Seasons seasonal activation, the Bengaluru edition has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect the city’s Garden City identity, combining nostalgic summer traditions with luxury hospitality experiences curated specifically for the local landscape and climate.

The campaign transforms the hotel into a summer sanctuary, offering guests a slower and more experiential approach to the season through artisanal food, botanical beverages, alfresco moments, and curated staycations.

At the centre of the experience is an artisanal gelateria concept featuring a vintage-inspired summer cart that recreates nostalgic frozen treats with a luxury twist. Signature offerings include the Java Plum in the Promenade Sorbet and the Coastal Cream Magnum Bar, both inspired by familiar regional summer flavours. The hotel’s Sunday brunches at CUR8 will also feature rotating artisanal gelatos and elaborate summer sundaes designed around seasonal indulgence.

The beverage programme introduces a specially curated “Garden City Collection” featuring cocktails and mocktails inspired by Bengaluru’s botanical heritage. Drinks such as the Nandi Hills Spritz and Silk Route Summer Float incorporate local ingredients and handcrafted elements, while the “Temperance Trail” mocktail collection offers non-alcoholic interpretations rooted in regional flavours.

Complementing the beverage programme is a dedicated Mango Residency at the Lobby Lounge celebrating India’s most iconic summer fruit. Guests can experience a mango-themed afternoon tea, Alphonso Mango Kulfi, and a range of seasonal desserts and beverages inspired by regional orchards and summer traditions.

Beyond dining, the campaign also positions Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as a luxury urban retreat through curated summer staycations. Garden suites, poolside experiences, wellness offerings, and leisurely dining moments have been designed to encourage guests to embrace a relaxed and immersive summer lifestyle within the city.

Signature touches such as floral-inspired beverages, alfresco lounging, and poolside culinary experiences further reinforce the property’s vision of blending Bengaluru’s local identity with the global luxury ethos of the Four Seasons brand.

Through “101 Days of Summer,” the hotel aims to transform the season into a thoughtfully crafted celebration of flavour, nostalgia, design, and experiential luxury, offering guests an elevated interpretation of a Bengaluru summer.

For more information, visit Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru


IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2026

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special religious journey to Nepal under its Bharat Gaurav scheme, giving travellers and pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to explore important spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.

The special 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will begin from Indore on June 12 aboard a Deluxe AC tourist train. According to IRCTC, this is the first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service designed for passengers travelling beyond India’s borders, making it a significant addition to its tourism offerings.

The journey will run for nine nights and 10 days, covering some of Nepal’s well-known religious and tourist attractions. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Manakamana Temple. As part of the experience, travellers will also get access to a ropeway ride at Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari at Chitwan, arranged by IRCTC.

Passengers can board the train from multiple stations across Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.

Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said: "Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose."

He also shared that the train will have 14 coaches and offer three accommodation categories: First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The package further includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels, along with local sightseeing through AC buses.

IRCTC has introduced different fare structures based on the selected category. The package covers rail travel, hotel stays, meals onboard and during the journey, local transportation, sightseeing, travel insurance, tour escorts, security arrangements and housekeeping services.

Officials also clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist journey and should be viewed as a specially curated travel experience rather than a regular international tour package. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra can be made through IRCTC’s official website and authorised offices.

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