The number of domestic tourists visiting Rajasthan has increased about 12 times in the last four years, with the footfall of foreign tourists also witnessing a sharp uptick since the Covid-induced slump. According to the Tourism Department, in 2020, more than 1.51 crore domestic tourists visited the state. The number shot up to over 17.90 crore in 2023.
A total of 32.44 crore domestic tourists visited Rajasthan from January 2020 to December 2023. On the other hand, over 22.20 lakh foreign tourists visited the desert state to witness its historical heritage during the same period.
“Rajasthan has been a major tourist attraction among the tourists. After the corona pandemic, a large number of domestic tourists have started visiting the state. The number of foreign tourists have also significantly risen,” Deputy Director of Tourism Department, Daleep Singh Rathore, said.
The freshly elected BJP government’s focus is to make the state a leader in the tourism sector in the country.
Recent visits of Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala and French President Emmanuel Macron to the state have helped Rajasthan present its image as a foreign destination of choice for overseas elites.
Erstwhile Jaipur royal family member and deputy chief minister Diya Kumari, who holds the tourism department portfolio, is actively holding meetings with foreign delegations to that purpose.
“The government is determined to transform Rajasthan into a premier tourism destination. A 100-day action agenda has been given to the department officials. A comprehensive strategy needs to be formulated and implemented,” Diya Kumari said.
She said that her plan involves collaborating with various departments to enhance the rail, road, and air connectivity to the state. Establishing quality basic infrastructure, improving hospitality services also is essential for the aim, she said.
Diya Kumari revealed the tourism numbers recently when she was asked for them by BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf in the Rajasthan Assembly. According to her reply, nearly 18 crore domestic and 17 lakh foreign tourists came to Rajasthan in 2023.
A total of 1.51 crore domestic tourists and 4.46 lakh foreign tourists visited Rajasthan in 2020.
In 2021, 2.19 crore domestic and 34,806 foreign tourists visited the state, while in 2022, it played host to 10.83 crore domestic and 39,684 foreign tourists.
Saraf had asked for year-wise details of domestic and foreign tourist visits made in the state from January 2020 to December 2023.
The hotel association in the state has been upbeat since the French President’s visit to Jaipur, as it thinks the visit will open new doors of opportunity.
“During the corona pandemic, the number of foreign tourists dropped, while domestic tourists still came in large numbers. After the French President’s visit, new opportunities will come as French tourists used to come in large numbers before the corona pandemic,” said Jaipur hotels association President M Hussain.
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IntrCity SmartBus, a leading player in the intercity bus travel sector, has reported an impressive growth trajectory in 2023, showcasing a resilient performance despite challenges posed by the pandemic. In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Kapil Raizada, Co-founder, IntrCity SmartBus, shared insights into the company’s achievements, technological advancements, and the evolving trends in the travel industry.
Significant Growth Trajectory in 2023
Raizada highlighted IntrCity SmartBus’s exceptional growth, revealing, “Our network has demonstrated rapidly growing consumer adoption, with annual revenues in FY23 growing 6.5x compared to FY21. This growth has been accompanied by a continuous increase in margins, even during the pandemic interruptions, with the gross profits increasing 9.0x over the same period.”
He emphasised the company’s financial performance, stating, “In the first half of the current fiscal year, we have achieved a revenue of INR 178 crore with an EBITDA profit of INR 2.9 crore. Annual revenues are expected to cross INR 350 crore this year, along with the first full year EBITDA profits.”
In terms of operational scale, Raizada reported, “The IntrCity SmartBus network now reaches 2.5 lakh seats per month with over 100 million passenger-seat-kilometers. The brand is now the market leader across several routes in both North and South India, commanding a 15-20 per cent market share in a traditionally highly fragmented industry.”
Key Drivers and Consumer Experience
Discussing the key drivers for SmartBus’s success, Raizada highlighted, “IntrCity SmartBus functions as a mobility platform, revolutionizing the perception of bus travel and positioning it as a convenient alternative to overnight long distance trains.”
He detailed the unique selling points that set IntrCity SmartBus apart, stating, “Travellers can experience the comfort of private cabins with flat beds for enhanced privacy. Additionally, boarding points with Wi-Fi-enabled AC lounges provide a space to unwind and recharge, complete with in-built washrooms, and on-table food service to ensure hygiene and convenience.”
Raizada emphasised the company’s commitment to safety, mentioning, “IntrCity SmartBus has implemented various measures acknowledging the safety concerns people face, especially women and older individuals, face while traveling on buses. To address these concerns, the platform provides buses equipped with CCTV and WiFi, real-time bus tracking, and secure boarding areas.”
Technological Innovations for Efficiency and Safety
IntrCity SmartBus leverages advanced technology for tasks such as route optimisation, real-time tracking, and enhancing passenger safety. Raizada explained, “The IntrCity Mobility System incorporates several applications including the Consumer Platform, Operator Dashboard, Crew App, IOT-based Fleet Analytics, and a 24/7 Command Centre. This complete platform caters to all aspects of organizing intercity bus services, offering travelers a seamless and exceptional journey experience.”
Uber India has released highlights of its annual data report – How India Ubered – encapsulating the key trends from how India moved this year. The analysis from the trips in 2023 revealed some very interesting trends about cities with the highest number of trips, the total number of kilometres covered in Uber rides, popular travel trends in intercity travel, the city with the most late-night trips, and also several rider preferences.
He detailed the use of IoT fleet analytics, stating, “The platform employs IoT fleet analytics to establish a network of ‘connected buses,’ ensuring seamless, on-the-go monitoring and efficient operations. This technology allows real-time performance monitoring and analytics for each vehicle, contributing to overall smooth performance.”
Addressing Urban Congestion and Intercity Connectivity
Raizada discussed SmartBus’s role in addressing urban congestion and enhancing intercity connectivity, saying, “SmartBus strategically tackles urban congestion and enhances intercity connectivity through innovative measures. IntrCity SmartBus network provides an affordable & reliable shared public transport, which is the core of creating a greener, de-congested mobility ecosystem.”
He detailed the routing strategy, mentioning, “Our network routing is designed so as to ensure that each bus addresses a specific geographic segment of a city, so as to minimize the distance that travelers have to commute to reach the nearest boarding point of their IntrCity SmartBus.”
Speaking about the diverse demographics of IntrCity SmartBus travellers, Raizada stated, “IntrCity SmartBus caters to a diverse demographic of travellers, influenced by evolving trends and preferences.” He highlighted shifts in travel patterns, saying, “During the Diwali break, there was a significant uptick in travel in and around Goa. Tourist destinations such as Tirupati, Goa, and Manali are projected to experience more than a twofold growth compared to the previous year.”
Raizada also emphasised the platform’s adaptability, noting, “These observations suggest a dynamic and diverse traveler base for IntrCity SmartBus, with preferences spanning both leisure and functional routes. The platform remains adaptable to evolving demographics and travel trends, ensuring a comprehensive and responsive service to meet the diverse needs of its passengers.”
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