world tourism day 2022 india

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World Tourism Day 2022: Why is this year’s theme ‘rethinking tourism?’

In august, a un report said that international tourism finally saw a strong rebound in the first five months of 2022, with almost 250 million international arrivals recorded - a positive sign..

The World Tourism day is observed every year to celebrate tourism’s growth and achievements in recent times. This year, the agenda - surrounding the international celebration - is centered around the theme ‘Rethink Tourism.’

In August, a UN report said that international tourism finally saw a strong rebound in the first five months of 2022, with almost 250 million international arrivals recorded - indicating a 46 per cent recovery in the tourism sector compared to the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

The World Tourism Organisation - a United Nations body , overlooking international tourism - in its official note explained that along with working on the "2030 Agenda" to achieve the seventeen sustainable development goals, it's crucial to "rethink how tourism can reach small businesses". While the recovery rate is an important graph to track, "it's equally crucial to map that it is fair for everyone," it said.

Also Read | Reviving travel and tourism in the post pandemic era

The organisation emphasised the importance of inclusivity in this sector and said the focus should be on women and other marginalised groups that could benefit from the tourism industry, while ensuring the industry’s growth does not come at the expense of people or planet.

To build a resilient tourism industry , last week the government of India adopted ‘Dharamshala Declaration’ to affirm the country's position as “ global leader in the tourism sector by 2047 ” in a sustainable manner. India has not been untouched by the impact of the pandemic as the tourism industry suffered a big blow when the foreign tourist arrivals decreased to 2.74 million in 2020 as compared to 10.93 million in 2019, as per data.

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World Tourism Day 2022: Discover India's top tourist destinations this year

World tourism day is widely celebrated across the world as a remembrance to the important role played by tourism in enhancing socio-cultural value, generating employment, running economy of a country. know all about world tourism day and top destinations to visit india here.

After being burdened with the challenges of professional and personal lives, all it takes is a vacation trip to any beautiful destination to refresh one's mind. Such trips are not only a part of one's luxury but play an important role in boosting tourism for the development of the socio-cultural, political, and economic sectors of a country and the international community. To mark the importance of tourism, every year World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September.

The theme of World Tourism Day 2022

This year's theme of World Tourism Day is ‘Rethinking Tourism’. The theme highlights the need to revamp how the world thinks about tourism. The pandemic has shown the economic importance of the tourism sector for a country like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. That's why there is an urgent need to make it sustainable.

Also Read: Chennai to be fastest growing Indian market for South Africa Tourism by 2025

The official celebration of World Tourism Day will be held in Indonesia. The country is heavily dependent on tourism and has been adversely affected by the COVID pandemic.

Why is World Tourism Day celebrated on 27 September?

The day marks the generation of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Regulations of the UNWTO were adopted on this day in 1970. The organisation is playing a significant role in promoting tourism across the world. Hence its formation is considered to be a major milestone in tourism. Tourism plays an important role in India's economy as well as in its culture which always advocates ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. On the occasion, Union Minister of Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari also extended his wishes on World Tourism Day on Twitter.

Top Places to visit India this season

As we head to the second half of the year 2022, the remaining three months are marked by several holidays and festivals making it the best time to satiate your wanderlust. With its rich culture and heritage, know about some of the top Indian destinations that Forbes Advisor suggests for visit in the coming months of 2022. 

Udaipur, Rajasthan

As Rajasthan is known for its scorching heat during summer, this is the best time to visit its cities. Udaipur can be a prime destination for tourists. The city is known for its beautiful palaces including City Palace, Sajjan Garh Palace. After a tour to these palace, its serene lakes can be a great spot to spend evening. People can visit Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, Rangsagar, Doodh Talai in Udaipur. People can also visit to grand temples like Eklingji Temple, Ranakpur Temple, Kesariyaji Temple in Udaipur and also enjoy wildlife treks. The place is known for its folk dance, festivals, music, and bonfires.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Those who enjoy sightseeing more than cultural fiestas can think of visiting Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Most of the southern states of India are known for the scenic beauty of their forests and mountain ranges. There is a lot to see in Ooty from Avalanche Lake, the Botanical Garden, and Kalhatti Falls. Along with this, tourists can also visit the pine woods, and enjoy hiking through coffee plantations, orange groves, and tea gardens.

Spiti Valley, Laddakh

Apart from the scenic beauty of Ladakh, people also chose to travel through bikes and car for a memorable ride to their destinations. There can be no better destination than Spiti Valley for those who are planning to spend their holidays in Ladakh. People can take a tour to the ancient monasteries in the area. Some of them are Tabo, Kee Gompa, Sakya Tangyud, etc. Apart from that, tourists can also enjoy its lakes like Chandratal, Suraj Taal, Dhankar, Nako. For wildlife lover there is Pin Valley National Park.  The place is a perfect match for adventure lovers and those who want to go on treks and camping.

Araku Valley, Andra Pradesh

People can visit this place to see caves, forests, valleys and some mind blowing world heritage sites. Tourists can know about coffee plantations through its Coffee Museum. Some exotic waterfalls can be a nice picnic destination like Katiki, Chaparai, Ranajilleda, Sangda, Kothapalli, Ananthagiri, Dharagadda. People can also visit Borra Caves. The valley's rich tribal population has a lot to offer to the tourists in terms of culture and art.

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World Tourism Day 2022: Know history, significance and theme

The official celebration of World Tourism Day is going to be conducted in Bali, Indonesia. The theme of World Tourism Day for 2022 is ‘rethinking tourism’

World Tourism Day focuses on the promotion of tourism in various parts of the world. Started by the United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO), the day is commemorated every year on 27 September.

This day has been celebrated since 1980. It marks the anniversary of adoption of UNWTO Statuses on 27 September, 1970. Tourism is something that not only gives us some time to relax and enjoy, but also exposes us to different cultures.

During this day, tourism boards of various countries promote tourism across their cities and states by launching attractive options. The theme of World Tourism Day for 2022 is ‘Rethinking Tourism’.

The initial commemoration of World Tourism Day focused on the promotion of tourism as a whole with a central theme. In 1997, UNWTO decided that the day would be celebrated in different host countries each year.

Significance:

World Tourism Day intends to raise awareness about the significance of tourism in affecting the social, political, economic and cultural values of the international community.

Celebration:

The official celebration of World Tourism Day is going to be held in Bali, Indonesia this year. It will highlight the shift towards tourism being recognised as an important pillar of development.

Some crucial facts about tourism in India:

Around $178 billion was contributed to the GDP of India by the travel and tourism industry in 2021.

Over 10 million foreign tourists visited India in 2017 which led to the foreign exchange earnings of nearly $27.31 billion.

Taj Mahal ranks number 1 out of the most visited monuments in India for both domestic and foreign tourists.

India’s domestic expenditure on tourism was nearly $186 billion in 2017. The collective government spending was around $2.61 billion on the tourism sector.

Kumbh Mela was the largest gathering of people in 2011 with around 75 million pilgrims. The crowd was so huge that it was visible from space.

India’s travel and tourism sector provided employment to nearly 80 million people in the financial year 2020. Overall, the sector accounted for around 15.3 percent of jobs.

In the financial year 2022, 66 percent was the estimated occupancy rate of hotels in India. It was a significant increase from over 34 percent in recent years.

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From Crisis to Transformation

Foreword of the secretary-general.

Launched on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2022, this report intends to adhere to the spirit and the ambitions of this year’s celebration, held under the theme of “Rethinking Tourism”. The theme embodies an essential step for fully realizing our sector’s enormous and unrivalled potential to deliver positive change and opportunity for people everywhere, while at the same time meeting our responsibilities to sustainability and climate action.

Executive Summary

This Report is designed to provide an overview of, as well as to examine and assess the work of UNWTO as it leads the global sector out of crisis and into the future.

Six Pillars of Action

UNWTO’s work to guide the tourism sector from crisis to transformation is built around six pillars

UNWTO: From Crisis to Transformation

Leading response and recovery.

Tourism´s voice at the UN

The efforts of UNWTO are being rewarded at the highest level, from Heads of State to landmark support from Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, who has underscored the sector´s ability to lead economic growth and recognizing UNWTO’s leadership stating how “tourism can be a platform for overcoming the pandemic”.

Speaking as One

Africa : Advancing a Strategic Vision The Americas : Stronger, Greener and More Innovative Tourism Asia and the Pacific : Enhanced Cooperation Europe : Leading Tourism’s Restart The Middle East : Innovation and Digital Transformation Harnessing the Power of the Private Sector

New Tourism Governance

The unprecedented disruption of the sector required commitments and leadership to rethink how to rebuild back better to address the deficiencies in the sector. UNWTO recognizes the importance of rethinking tourism governance at every level, while at the same time putting systems in place to restore trust in travel and so get the world moving again.

Rethinking Tourism

Tourism is both highly vulnerable to climate change while at the same time contributing to it. Threats to the sector are diverse, including direct and indirect impacts such as more extreme weather events, pollution, water shortages, biodiversity loss and damage to assets and attractions at destinations, among others.

• World Tourism Day Most Intriguing Places To Visit In India See Photos

World Tourism Day 2022: Most Intriguing Places To Visit In India | See Photos

Traveling is a way to unwind by the nature, culture and heritage of varied places. from panoramic viewpoints, thrilling adventures, historical vestiges, refreshing backwaters, chillaxing beaches, and serene mountains, there's something for every mood in india. while there are inexhaustible travel destinations, there are also some of the most intriguing places here that will blow your mind away. from optical illusions to unconventional beaches, these destinations will surely make you go wow.

jigyasa Updated: Sep 28, 2022 1:35 AM IST

Chandipur Beach, Odisha

By the shores of Bay of Bengal, here the water plays a little bit of hide and seek. This beach in Odisha is also called vanishing beach because here the waves recede upto almost 5 km during the low tide. It is said that this phenomena happens almost twice a day.

Magnetic Hill, Leh

Leh is a dream destination for almost every avid traveller. Leh also has a place that will make your mind itch. The Magnetic Hill of Leh is perched at an elevation of 3,500 meters and literally defies all laws of gravitation! This illusion is often known as the ‘Himalayan Wonder’. Here the hill creates an illusion making the downhill slope appear as an uphill slope. Hence, vehicles seem to move up when, actually, they are rolling down.

Airavatesvara Temple, Tamil Nadu

This temple hidden in the Southern relic of India was built around 11-12 century during the Chola Dynasty. Here the optical catch is hidden in of the animal carvings. There is an engraving that looks like an elephant from the right and a bull from the left. This is because the carving is made in an overlapping manner.

Bangaram Beach, Lakshadweep

An offbeat beach in Lakshadweep, it is located close to Kavaratti and Agatti islands. During the day, people can enjoy a nice, refreshing stroll on the sands with water touching your feet, but by the night the beach becomes magical. With what looks like some pixie dust on water, this beach glows at night. This magic can be credited to the free-floating phytoplanktons in the ocean water. This phenomenon is known as bioluminescence.

Dumas Beach, Gujarat

Dumas beach here has some horror stories waiting to be unveiled amidst its scenic beauty. According to the local lores surrounding the beach, it is said that this beach was used as a burial ground resultant in its black sand.

• Topics News">World Tourism Day 2022

With the travel industry enjoying a welcome boom after two years of lockdowns and restrictions, it’s fantastic to celebrate World Tourism Day 2022 taking place on 27 th September.

This year’s theme adopted by United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (WTO) is ‘Rethinking Tourism’ to meet the challenges of sustainability and climate change. To celebrate World Tourism Day 2022, we take a look at the latest travel trends that will continue into 2023 and beyond.

12 Travel Trends for World Tourism Day 2022: “Rethinking Tourism”

According to ABTA in their Travel in 2022 report , in 2023 we will “…expect to see holidaymakers ‘catching up’ on the trips they’ve missed out on by upgrading elements of their next holiday or opting for a bucket list destination, as well as an increased reliance on the expertise of travel professionals and the security of package holidays, as they navigate changing travel requirements at home and overseas.”

Post-pandemic, travellers are appreciative of their ability to have the freedom to explore the world once again, but their needs and interests are evolving. This article looks at some of the emerging trends for World Tourism Day 2022 and how the tourism industry can meet those needs.

Bucket list destinations

After two years of staycations and a very cautious return to travelling abroad, travellers are now gaining the confidence to go further afield to places they’ve always wanted to visit. This is fuelled by these dream destinations being off limits for so long, and the financial savings from not going away resulting in a larger holiday budget. Travellers who have sadly lost loved ones may also be of the mindset that “life is too short”, and are booking long-haul exotic holidays earlier on in their life than they perhaps would have. It really feels as if it’s exactly the right time to be celebrating World Tourism Day 2022 when the world is once again opening up for exploration.

Holiday upgrades

Those who have already booked their holidays, especially those that have been deferred for a long period of time, may be looking for upgrades to make their trip extra special. This could be a more superior grade of room, or a more generous board basis. This is a great chance for tour operators to offer deluxe rooms or suites, or enhancements such as candlelight dining, champagne, or spa treatments. There may even be the opportunity to add a few days to an existing booking with a beach extension or a different destination altogether.

Social distancing is still a big thing

While World Tourism Day 2022 celebrates that many tourists are embracing the freedom of Covid restrictions being lifted, some travellers are being more cautious. That’s why outdoor and open areas are becoming popular, such as beaches, forests, national parks and wildlife reserves, where social distancing can be maintained more easily.

Smaller, boutique accommodation

Travellers are wanting more from their holiday experience, and rather than opting for large hotels, are turning to smaller, boutique accommodation for a more unique and personal experience. Not only are they staying somewhere that’s a little different, but this option will also appeal to those who want to limit the number of people they are around.

Security in booking a package holiday

One thing that still troubles many prospective holidaymakers is having to cancel their trip due to testing positive for Covid 19. To avoid an extended hassle in trying to reclaim money from separate companies, package holidays are definitely seen as a safer choice as everything is in one place, including flights, accommodation, transfers, entrance fees, etc.

Working holidays

Workations are a growing trend for 2023, reflecting the shifting of workplace dynamics. While it may sound contradictory to be working when you’re on holiday, it’s a great way to take a longer break with the compromise of spending some of the time working, but in different surroundings. Many employers recognise that their employees can work remotely, whether that’s at home or somewhere more exotic. To achieve this, travellers are looking for accommodation with high-speed WiFi, and designated working space.

Eco tourism

One of the biggest travel trends for World Tourism Day 2022 is ecotourism. Travellers wanting to visit India often have a great interest in making environmentally-friendly choices, factoring in climate change and their carbon footprints as part of their planning processes. Luckily, India offers many options for greener travel, such as journeys by train and a wide choice of eco-friendly accommodation. Many states are making an enormous effort to focus on eco-tourism , and there is a wide range of greener accommodations to choose from, particularly from the pioneering CGH Earth hotel group.

Culture-focussed travel

Many travellers are shunning overly curated itineraries in favour of immersive experiences that show them more about local people, customs and traditions. In India, this includes homestays where you feel like part of the family and farm-to-plate experiences at resorts providing their own ingredients.

In Kerala, tourists can take part in the Village Life experience, trying their hand at traditional activities such as coconut frond weaving and fishing. In Gujarat , tourists can spend time learning about the fascinating traditions of the Kutch people, and in Rajasthan, they can learn about the Bishnoi tribes , ecologists responsible for the preservation of the endangered blackbuck. This is one of the key trends for World Tourism Day 2022.

A few of our favourite culture tours

10 Day Tour & Goa Holiday Prices From £2390 Start: Mumbai Finish: Mumbai Type: Tailor-made, Car & Driver Discover a fascinating mix of old and new from the vibrant city of Mumbai rich in glamour, landmarks and city life, to the ancient World Heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves, before concluding your holiday with palm fringed beaches in Goa.

16 Day Passage through Central India Tour Price From: £3490 Start: Delhi Finish: Mumbai Type: Tailor-made, Car & Driver Discover a world of rich culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, local village life and the iconic city of Mumbai. Features places from the BBC series A Suitable Boy.

13 Day Gujarat Tour Price From: £3190 Start: Ahmedabad Finish: Mumbai Type: Tailor-made, Car & Driver Explore the heritage sights of Ahmedabad, visit iconic temples and glorious palaces, discover the Ranns of Kutch with their amazing rich heritage and venture on jeep safaris in search of lions and wild asses.

Special occasions

As travel opens up again, people are looking at venturing further afield to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, honeymoons and other special occasions that may have been deferred due to the pandemic. With consumers keen to finally take these holidays, budgets are expanding to compensate for the time spent waiting.

India has a wealth of locations perfect for celebrating, such as houseboats in Kerala, deluxe jungle camps in the north, or wonderful treehouse hideaways in the forests. Not to mention Brahmaputra river cruises with boutique ships small enough to be chartered for one large group. There is always the option of a tour concluding in a beach extension, for the ultimate blend of exploration and relaxation.

Activity holidays

The pandemic saw many people focus on exercising, notably cycling, running and walking, and keeping fit in general. Following World Tourism Day 2022, we predict a large growth in activity holidays, where travellers can combine sightseeing with exercising, such as cycling tours or trekking holidays . They are a great way for travellers to see a new destination off the beaten track whilst reducing their carbon footprint, being more environmentally friendly and staying active.

Wellbeing breaks

It’s not just physical health that travellers are looking after post-pandemic, it’s also mental wellbeing. There’s a wealth of well-being getaways in India that include relaxation, Ayurveda, gentle yoga, along with mindfulness and massage. Many retreats also offer cookery classes, art therapy and nature walks. More and more travellers will be inspired to get away from it all to truly relax and unwind in a peaceful setting, to return refreshed and rejuvenated.

Bespoke itineraries

With package holidays being favoured for peace of mind, tour and holiday operators can benefit from providing flexibility within those packages to their clients. As more people venture out to dream destinations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, World Tourism Day 2022 is a key time to start tailoring packages to their preferences. Travellers will love having the freedom to create their own holiday, rather than feeling constricted to a “one size fits all” rigid itinerary.

We hope that you’ve found these travel trends for World Tourism Day 2022 interesting. If you’d like to start creating your dream post-pandemic getaway, contact us today, – we’d love to help.

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• World Tourism Day 2022: 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Can Visit In India

By Seshan Vijayraghvan

13 mins read

Published on September 27, 2022

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• September 27 is regarded as the World Tourism Day.
• India has 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• India is the 6th country in the world to have the most UNESCO Heritage Sites.

India is a country of rich cultural and natural heritage. Right from the Himalayas to the southern tip of the country, there are hundreds of natural and man-made places and monuments that signify the different cultures, rituals, and beliefs that have been part of India for centuries. This is also why it’s not surprising that India is the sixth country in the world to have the most number of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Sites.

Right now, there are 40 such world heritage sites spread across 19 states of India, and on this World Tourism Day 2022, we give you a glimpse of all these beautiful places, which can be part of your next road trip .

1. Agra Fort

(Source: UNESCO Website)

Located near the gardens of the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort is an important 16th-century Mughal monument that is made of red sandstone. Within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the fortress encompasses what was once the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.

2. Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves were the first Buddhist cave monuments that date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. to around 5th and 6th centuries A.D. Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state in India, the paintings and sculptures of Ajanta are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

3. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara

The Nalanda Mahavihara site, located in the State of Bihar, comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. Nalanda stands out as the most ancient university in the Indian Subcontinent.

4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

Located in Bhopal, the site of Sanchi comprises a group of Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries) all in different states of conservation most of which date back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D.

5. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties situated in an impressive landscape which includes prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites. The site also includes, among other vestiges, fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water installations, from the 8th to 14th centuries.

6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT) Station, is the epicentre of Mumbai’s local train system, which is also called the city’s lifeline. The building is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture.

7. Churches and Convents of Goa

The churches and convents of Goa – particularly the Church of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier – illustrate the evangelization of Asia. These monuments were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established.

8. Dholavira: A Harappan City

The ancient city of Dholavira, the southern centre of the Harappan Civilization, is sited on the arid island of Khadir in the State of Gujarat. Occupied between ca. 3000-1500 BCE, the archaeological site, one of the best-preserved urban settlements from the period in Southeast Asia, comprises a fortified city and a cemetery.

9. Elephanta Caves

The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the followers of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.

10. Ellora Caves

Located near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves are 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, which were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff. The sequence of monuments, which date from A.D. 600 to 1000, depict the civilization of ancient India.

11. Fatehpur Sikri

Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri, which means the City of Victory, was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. Located in Uttar Pradesh, India, Fatehpur Sikri is a complex of monuments and temples that includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid (Mosque).

12. Great Living Chola Temples

Built by kings of the Chola Empire, the Great Living Chola Temples have stretched over all of south India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three great 11th- and 12th-century Temples: The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

13. Group of Monuments at Hampi

Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won the admiration of travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565, the city was pillaged for over six months before being abandoned.

14. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.

15. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

Pattadakal, in Karnataka, represents eclectic art, which is a blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India, created in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty. One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.

16. Hill Forts of Rajasthan

The serial site, situated in the state of Rajasthan, includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh; Kumbhalgarh; Sawai Madhopur; Jhalawar; Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. The eclectic architecture of the forts, some up to 20 kilometres in circumference, bears testimony to the power of the Rajput princely states that flourished in the region from the 8th to the 18th centuries.

17. Historic City of Ahmadabad

The old city of Ahmadabad, founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century, on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati river, presents a rich architectural heritage from the sultanate period, notably the Bhadra citadel, the walls and gates of the Fort city and numerous mosques and tombs as well as important Hindu and Jain temples of later periods.

18. Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.

19. Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Yes, the entire city of Jaipur is a UNESCO world heritage site. Founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, unlike other cities in the region located in hilly terrain, Jaipur was established on the plain and built according to a grid plan interpreted in the light of Vedic architecture. The city's urban planning shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and early modern Mughal as well as Western cultures.

20. Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, Telangana

Rudreshwara, popularly known as Ramappa Temple, is located in the village of Palampet approximately 200 km northeast of Hyderabad, in the State of Telangana. It is the main Shiva temple in a walled complex built during the Kakatiyan period (1123–1323 CE) under rulers Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra.

21. Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Located in Madhya Pradesh, the temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism.

22. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period.

23. Mountain Railways of India

As seen in several Indian films, the breathtaking Mountain Railways of India includes three railways. The first one, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, started in 1881. It was followed by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which started in 1891 and was completed in 1908. Later came the Kalka Shimla Railway, a 96-km long single-track working rail link built in the mid-19th century to provide a service to the highland town of Shimla.

24. Qutb Minar and its Monuments

Built in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 metres high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, and two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest in northern India.

25. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat

Rani-ki-Vav, on the banks of the Saraswati River, was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD. Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, it is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic quality; more than 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works.

26. Red Fort Complex

The Red Fort Complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad – the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546, with which it forms the Red Fort Complex.

27. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above the comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period.

28. Sun Temple, Konarak

Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot. Built-in the 13th century, it is one of India's most famous Brahman sanctuaries.

29. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, which is also one of the 7 wonders of the world, is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz.

30. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier - Complexe du Capitole

The Complexe du Capitole in Chandigarh is one of the 17 sites architectural sites built by Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, and urban planner Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier. They were built over a period of a half-century, in the course of what Le Corbusier described as “patient research”.

31. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

The Jantar Mantar, in Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations.

32. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai

These are an ensemble of public buildings bordering the Oval Maidan open space built first in the Victorian Neo-Gothic style and then, in the early 20th century, in the Art Deco idiom. They were a part of an ambitious urban planning project in the second half of the 19th century.

33. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area

This National Park in the western part of the Himalayan Mountains in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is characterised by high alpine peaks, alpine meadows and riverine forests. The 90,540-hectare property includes the upper mountain glacial and snow meltwater sources of several rivers, and the catchments of water supplies that are vital to millions of downstream users.

34. Kaziranga National Park

Located in Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.

35. Keoladeo National Park

This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been recorded in the park.

36. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on the slopes of the foothills of the Himalayas, where wooded hills give way to alluvial grasslands and tropical forests, the Manas sanctuary is home to a great variety of wildlife, including many endangered species, such as the tiger, pygmy hog, Indian rhinoceros and Indian elephant.

37. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

(Source: Journals Of India)

Nestled high in West Himalaya, India’s Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep.

38. Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans covers 10,000 sq. km of land and water (more than half of it in India, the rest in Bangladesh) in the Ganges delta. It contains the world's largest area of mangrove forests. Several rare or endangered species live in the park, including tigers, aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles.

39. Western Ghat

The mountain chain of the Western Ghats represents geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. The site’s high montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather pattern. It’s older than the Himalayan mountains.

40. Khangchendzonga National Park

Located at the heart of the Himalayan range in the State of Sikkim, the Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga.

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World Tourism Day 2022: A natural treat for travellers from Sikkim

The tourism industry is of paramount importance in sikkim, it is the backbone and tower of strength in sikkim's economy.

• Sep 27, 2022,
• Updated Sep 27, 2022, 10:44 AM IST

Sikkim offers a stunning range of natural ecosystems and fauna within a tiny geographic region of about 7,096 square kilometres, with holy lakes, waterfalls, and hot water springs adorning the hilly landscape.

Sikkim is a wonderland blessed with natural abundance, ranging from icy cold deserts to flowering alpine meadows to lush green forests and emerald mountain lakes. It is located in the Eastern Himalayan region and has an area of 7,096 square kilometres and elevations ranging from 300m to 8,586m above sea level. 

The tourism industry is of paramount importance in Sikkim, it is the backbone and tower of strength in Sikkim's economy.

The panoramas are limitless and enthralling from river valleys and lush woods to alpine meadows with a rainbow of flowers blossoming in monsoon; to ice barren high glaciers and freezing deserts.

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake, one of Sikkim's most gorgeous and clean lakes, is located near the Tibetan and Chinese borders in the north. The frozen alpine lake, located at 5,183 metres in the highlands, is one of the major sources of the river Teesta. The lake is named after the great guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have been through this area on his tour to Tibet.

Lachen and Lachung valley

Lachen, one of three towns in North Sikkim, is notable for its natural greenery and for being home to Tibetan nomadic tribes. Lachung is a lovely little village surrounded by apple orchards, pine forests, and waterfalls. Lachung, Lachen, Valley is a natural wonderland with snow-capped peaks, wide expanses of alpine lakes, green environs, and tranquil temples.

Nathula Pass (Indo -China border)

Nathula is a border crossing between India and China (La means Pass in Tibetan). The route runs through Tsongmo Lake and is 56 kilometres from Gangtok. For most portion of the year, the area is blanketed with snow. The route was originally utilized for commerce by merchants from India and Tibet. It was part of the famed Silk Route that stretched along the Zuluk - Memenchu - Jelepla route, linking the plains of Bengal with Tibet.

Tsomgo lake

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacier lake in the northeastern state of Sikkim, 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the capital Gangtok. The lake, which is located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), remains frozen during the winter season. The lake's surface changes colours with the seasons and is held in high regard by the indigenous Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks made predictions after seeing the shifting colours of the lake. After the winter season ends in the middle of May, the lake's perimeter blossoms with flower species such as rhododendrons (the state tree of Sikkim), primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises, and so on.

Chardham Namchi

When we think of Char Dham, we typically think of the four holy sanctuaries in Uttarakhand on top of the Himalayas. Around 2 hours drive away from Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, lies the marvellous temple compound of Char Dham locked away by spectacular mountains. Anyone's sins are said to be washed away at this location. It houses shrines to Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Lord Jagannath, and Lord Shiva. The shrine complex is located on the mountainous road between Melli and Jorethang. The sprawling temple complex, also known as the Siddhesvara Dham, was dedicated in November 2011. A 108-foot statue of Lord Shiva is also housed in the magnificent structure.

Goechala Trek

Goechala, located at an elevation of almost 15,000 feet, provides a journey like no other. While it is one of the oldest hiking routes in the Himalayas, it is not as well known. Many hikers dream of reaching Goechala, which offers breathtaking vistas of the Kanchenjunga Range, the world's third-highest mountain range. You will be able to see not just Kanchenjunga but also numerous other Himalayan peaks. The Goechala Trek, which includes a number of summits along the way, is the ultimate adventure.

Dzongri Trek

Dzongri Trek is the Goechala Trek's minor trek option.  The Dzongri trek is the best option for hikers who wish to see much in a short amount of time. Trekkers on this magnificent journey get the opportunity to explore and see the hypnotic exquisiteness of stunning vistas while hiking. In reality, Dzongri and Dzongri La (view point) are the best places to see the beautiful mountains and towering peaks of the Sikkim Himalayas.

Kangchendzonga Nationa Park

Khangchendzonga National Park, also known as the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, is a national park and a biosphere reserve in the Indian state of Sikkim. It was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2016, becoming India's first "Mixed Heritage" site. It was included in the UNESCO Programme on Man and the Biosphere. The park is named after Kangchenjunga (variant spelling Khangchendzonga), the world's third-highest peak at 8,586 metres (28,169 feet). The park's overall size is 849.5 km2 (328.0 sq mi).

Pelling, a lovely town in Sikkim's West region, has overtaken Gangtok as the state's second most popular tourist attraction. The primary attraction of the site is the beautiful view of Khangchendzonga and the neighbouring peaks, which are located 10 kilometres from Geyzing and 130 kilometres from Gangtok.

Centuries-old monasteries

Sikkim's culture is inextricably related to Tibetan Buddhism, with over 250 monasteries. Sikkim is not complete without its monasteries. The majority of monasteries are affiliated with the Nyingmapa or Kargyupa sections.

Dzuluk, Zuluk, Jhuluk, or Jaluk is a tiny hamlet in East Sikkim, India, lying at a height of roughly 10,000 feet (3,000 m) on the steep terrain of the lower Himalayas (Pincode 737131). This is a relatively new and quirky resort in East Sikkim. It is rapidly becoming a new tourist attraction. The magnificent view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range, including Kanchenjunga, contributes to its tourism value.

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World tourism day quick facts - in 2022, 2022 holidays & dates.

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WORLD TOURISM DAY 2022

Venue Partner: The Chocolate Room, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, India

Global trade and technology council of India Today organised World Tourism Day at the Chocolate Room Vasant Lok Market New Delhi. It was well attended by the Ambassadors of Belarus, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia along with Diplomats of Australia, Ethiopia, Equador, El Slavador, USA, Palestine, UK, Uzbekistan & Zambia

Dr Gaurav Gupta welcomed all the guests and present the GTTCI activities , which were well appreciated. Amb Amarendra Khatua ex ifs expressed the gratitude and told about the importance of GTTCI role in promoting the Tourism of all the countries. All the ambassadors told about their beautiful countries and travel opportunities and visa facilities. Many diplomats show cased their video and audio which were well appreciated.

IRS Anurag Prasad, WG CDR Praful Bakshi, Pawan kansal – Chairman, Navratan Aggarwal-bikanervala and Parmeet Singh Chadha- president of WSCC were also present. Mrs Shivani Malik from Da Milano presented the beautiful gifts to all.

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Indian Tourism Industry to Generate $24 Billion in 2024 – India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

April 16th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

Travel and tourism industry accounted for around 6% of India's GDP in 2022. The country has therefore been focusing on boosting tourism.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

The travel and tourism industry in India is projected to generate revenue of nearly $24 billion in 2024, according to industry promotions body India Brand Equity Foundation. At an estimated annual growth rate of 9.6% between 2024 and 2028, the industry is also expected to reach a market volume of $34.25 billion by 2028. 

Revenue trend in India: In 2023, the tourism industry recorded a revenue of about $20 billion, according to Statista . Hotels accounted for the largest share of revenue last year. This year, however, this is expected to shift and package holidays are likely to be the biggest revenue generator in 2024. According to an ANI report , package holidays market is expected to reach 65 million travelers by 2028. 

India’s efforts to boost tourism: The country has been focusing on boosting tourism, and has announced 100% foreign direct investment in tourism-related ventures in order to facilitate growth of the sector. Efforts are also being made to preserve heritage sites in India while creating quality tourism infrastructure to enhance visitor experience. 

The road, rail, and air transportation infrastructure is also being improved. New highways, indigenous superfast trains , and regional airports are being concurrently developed across the country to make travel more convenient and inland destinations more accessible.

Radisson Opens First Hotel in Odisha

Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Pramod Lands End Resort, a member of Radisson Individuals in Gopalpur, Odisha. The 100-room resort marks the group’s entry into Odisha. Radisson’s newly appointed area senior vice president for South Asia Nikhil Sharma said that Gopalpur has untapped tourism potential, and the company’s move to open a property in the location is part of its focus on tier 2 and 3 cities in India. 

Radisson has more than 160 operational and developing hotels, with over 50% of its portfolio located in tier 2 and 3 markets. In 2023, the company signed 21 properties , and is especially focusing on key spiritual destinations and inland locations to gain from the first-mover advantage. 

Fly91 Expands Network to Agatti, Jalgaon

India’s newest airline Fly91 is set to add two more destinations to its network this week, taking its operations to six destinations. Starting Thursday, the airline will fly between Goa and Agatti, Lakshadweep. It will also commence flights between Goa, Jalgaon and Hyderabad on April 18. 

The budget airline commenced its operations last month and is currently flying between four destinations. It aims to enhance regional connectivity in India and has plans to expand its network to 50 cities over the next five years. For this, the airline is planning to induct 30 aircraft to its fleet. 

ITC Hotels Open Storii Solan in Himachal Pradesh

ITC Hotels has announced the opening of Storii by ITC Hotels, The Kaba Retreat, Solan in Himachal Pradesh. The boutique property currently has 22 rooms and suites, with six cottages to open soon. 

Storii by ITC Hotels serves experiential travelers. The company is focusing on expanding the brand as CEO Anil Chadha believes that it is quickly becoming a preferred brand in the segment. With the addition of the Solan property, four hotels are operational under the brand. More Storii hotels are set to come up in Kolkata, Rishikesh, Manali, Prayagraj, and Kufri as it is aiming to enhance its presence in leisure destinations.

Delhi Airport’s Conversion of Terminal T2 to All-International Delayed Till Next Year

The conversion of Delhi airport’s terminal T2 into an all-international terminal is delayed till April 2025, according to a Times of India report . The airport has three terminals of which T1 and T2 are fully domestic, while T3 handles domestic as well as international traffic. With T1 undergoing an expansion to double its capacity to 40 million passengers, the airport operators decided to convert T2 into an all-international terminal temporarily to better handle international traffic.

The initial plan was to begin the conversion of the terminal in July or August this year , after the expansion of domestic terminal T1 becomes operational in June. This would close T2 for a few months. However, the authorities have now decided to postpone the conversion work until after winter, as they want all terminals to be operational during the season. This is to avoid a repeat of winter last year when a key low-visibility runway was shut for repairs during the foggy season and led to delays. 

EaseMyTrip Subsidiary Opens Hotel in McLeod Ganj

Spree Hospitality, a subsidiary of online travel company EaseMyTrip, has announced the opening of ZiP By Spree Hotels Bella Heights in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh. The boutique property is a part of Spree Hospitality’s portfolio of more than 30 hotels. 

The company focuses on boutique and mid-market segments, while operating full-service properties across India. It was acquired by EaseMyTrip in 2021. 

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Photo credit: In 2023, the tourism industry recorded a revenue of about $20 billion. Pixabay

World Heritage Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, and Top 5 Heritage Sites in India

Published By : Nibandh Vinod

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Last Updated: April 18, 2024, 08:52 IST

Mumbai, India

World Heritage Day 2024 theme is Discover and Experience Diversity. (Images: Shutterstock)

World Heritage Day 2024: Across the world, there are countless remarkable sites and monuments, many of which beautifully show the specific countries' culture.

World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), is celebrated annually on April 18 to honour and preserve our heritage. Ancient monuments and buildings are global treasures. They require proper nurturing to last for years. Across the world, there are countless remarkable sites and monuments, many of which beautifully show the specific countries’ culture. World Heritage Day brings together individuals, organisations, societies and governments to unite to raise awareness about the importance of historical sites and to promote their protection. In this article, we’ll explore the history, significance, and top five Indian heritage sites.

World Heritage Day 2024 Theme

The theme for World Heritage Day 2024 is ‘Discover and Experience Diversity.’ This theme highlights the richness of our history. It also reminds us to explore and appreciate the unique heritage of different communities.

Top 5 Heritage Sites in India

Hampi was the last capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The wealthy rulers constructed numerous magnificent temples and palaces that garnered admiration from ancient travellers. However, in 1565, the city was ruled by the Deccan Muslim confederacy group and was left abandoned.

Ajanta Caves

The earliest Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta were created during the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. The paintings and sculptures found at Ajanta are regarded as masterpieces and have had a significant impact on artistry.

Constructed between 1631 and 1648 in Agra by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the monument is entirely made of white marble. It was built in the memory of the emperor’s beloved wife.

The temples of Khajuraho were constructed during the Chandela dynasty’s rule between 950 and 1050. Presently, only around 20 temples are standing tall, representing Hinduism and Jainism.

Jaipur City

Founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is known for its unique urban planning, inspired by Vedic architecture. While others were built on hills, the pink city was built on plain lands. To this date, locals have preserved its rich history.

World Heritage Day: History

World Heritage Day, also known as The International Day for Monuments and Sites, was established in 1982 by the International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization approved the date during their 22nd general conference in 1983. Every year, ICOMOS brings together experts from various fields like architects, engineers, geographers, civil engineers, artists and archaeologists. These professionals collaborate to ensure that some of the world’s beautiful sites and important monuments are preserved for future generations.

Since its inception, ICOMOS has welcomed nearly 10,000 members from over 150 countries worldwide. In 2023, two new Indian sites, Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas and Santiniketan, were added to the list.

World Heritage Day: Significance

World Heritage Day is celebrated to encourage local communities to recognise the importance of keeping our cultural heritage safe. Various events bring together people from different regions and backgrounds, which allows them to share information about their history and traditions. ICOMOS also celebrates the day by collaborating with UNESCO worldwide, attracting travel and history lovers to such events.

• World Heritage Day

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• World Tourism Day 2023: How India’s tangible heritage is redistributing tourism

India’s tangible heritage isn’t just a static display of the past, it’s a dynamic force driving the future of tourism. The country’s emphasis on preserving its tangible heritage goes hand in hand with responsible tourism. By promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations, we can ensure more equitable tourism growth, alleviating pressure on more popular sites and distributing economic benefits more widely.

• Amanpreet Bajaj ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Sep 27, 2023 at 02:18 PM IST

World Tourism Day 2023: Sustainability should be imperative, not an option

As the world gears up to celebrate World Tourism Day, the global tourism sector is poised for a grand convergence, uniting under the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”. The industry stakeholders and experts we reached out to, advocated the need to have a collective and coordinated approach involving governments, businesses, and stakeholders, besides, the need to have more local community involvement.

550 monuments to be adopted by private sector for tourism promotion: Karnataka Minister HK Patil

The minister unveiled a government plan to protect, conserve, and develop nearly 550 monuments available for 'adoption'. "These monuments, which include temples, churches, mosques, and other heritage sites, will be opened for tourism, creating opportunities for investment and employment generation. The innovative programme is set to launch on September 25," an official statement said.

• By Amanpreet Bajaj ,
• Published On Sep 27, 2023 at 02:00 PM IST

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World Heritage Day 2024: Theme, history and significance

This year, as we mark world heritage day 2024, let’s delve into its theme, history, significance, and explore some of the top heritage sites in india..

Listen to Story

• World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for monuments and sites
• World Heritage Day is celebrated annually on April 18 to honor and preserve heritage and culture
• The theme for World Heritage Day 2024 is ‘Discover and Experience Diversity'

Every year on April 18th, we celebrate World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the incredible cultural and natural treasures recognised by UNESCO's World Heritage List. This special day is dedicated to honouring and safeguarding our cultural heritage. Ancient monuments and buildings are like precious gems that need proper care to endure the test of time.

Across the globe, there are countless remarkable sites and monuments, each showcasing the unique cultures of their respective countries. World Heritage Day serves as a reminder of the importance of these historical treasures and the need to protect them for future generations. It brings together individuals, organisations, societies, and governments to raise awareness about the significance of historical sites and promote their preservation.

World Heritage Day was first held in 1983 by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The date, April 18th, coincides with the establishment of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982. This highlights the global effort to preserve our heritage for future generations.

WORLD HERITAGE DAY 2024 THEME

India's top 5 world heritage sites, celebrating world heritage day.

• Visit a heritage site near you and learn about its history.
• Participate in local events organised for the day.
• Share photos and information about your favourite heritage sites on social media.
• Support organisations dedicated to heritage preservation.

On this World Heritage Day, let us renew our commitment to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage, ensuring that these timeless treasures continue to inspire and enrich lives for generations to come. Published By: Smarica Pant Published On: Apr 18, 2024 Read | Mizoram Lok Sabha Election 2024: Total seats, schedule and other details

1.5 billion more passengers flew last year than in 2022. These are the 10 busiest airports in the world.

Posted: April 16, 2024 | Last updated: April 16, 2024

• New data on the world's busiest airports in 2023 reveals the latest trends in global travel. 
• 8.5 billion passengers traveled by plane last year, almost marking a return to pre-pandemic levels.   
• Airports in Asia and the Middle East became busier, but the US has once again clinched the top spot. 

International travel is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the just-released list of the world's busiest airports in 2023.

8.5 billion passengers traveled globally by plane last year — up from 7 billion passengers in 2022 .

The rise in air travel marks a recovery to 93.8% of levels in 2019 before the world shut down, according to preliminary data published by the Airports Council International (ACI), a trade association that includes 2,600 airports worldwide.

Increasing travel to airports in Asia and the Middle East was one of the key trends to emerge from the data, with Dubai International Airport jumping from the fifth to the second busiest airport in the world.

Airports in India, Japan, and Turkey also made it into the top 10 and were some of the biggest movers in terms of annual gains in passenger numbers.

As the world's largest domestic market for flights , US airports still make up five of the busiest airports in the world, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its No. 1 position.

Despite tough global economic conditions, there was "a growing inclination towards travel," Luis Felipe de Oliveira, the ACI's world director general, said in a press release.

"Airports continue to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel," said Oliveira.

Here's a closer look at the top 10 busiest airports in the world.

10. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

Passengers: 72.2 million

2022 ranking: 9th

Delhi's main airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, saw a 21.4% increase in year-on-year traffic. While it has dropped a place this year, Delhi has grown significantly as a transport hub since 2019, when it sat at number 19 in the rankings.

9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport, USA

Passengers: 73.9 million

2022 ranking: 4th

Travel through Chicago O'Hare jumped by 8.1% throughout 2023. O'Hare is a hub airport for domestic travel, particularly for United and American Airlines flights. It is also a focus city for low-cost rivals Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

8. Los Angeles International Airport, USA

Passengers: 75.1 million

2022 ranking: 6th

Travel through LAX was up 13.8% in 2023, however, compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, passengers at the West Coast airport decreased by 14.8% — the largest decrease of any airport in the top ten rankings. LAX is a hub for a number of carriers, including Alaska Airlines, United, American, and Delta. But domestic travel at the airport shrunk dramatically as airlines cut the number of flights following a series of meltdowns in 2022.

7. Istanbul Airport, Turkey

Passengers: 76 million

2022 ranking: 7th

Passenger numbers at Turkey's Istanbul airport have increased by 18.3%, making it the only transit hub to keep level with its previous ranking in the top 10. Notably, traffic through the airport has jumped by 45.7% since 2019.

6. Denver International Airport, USA

Passengers: 77.8 million

2022 ranking: 3rd

Denver Airport has dropped down several places on the list but still shows strong signs of growth in terms of passengers. In the last year traffic through the Colorado airport was up 12.3%, and it has also grown 12.8% from pre-pandemic levels.

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan

Passengers: 78.7 million

2022 ranking: 16th

Japan's Tokyo Haneda Airport saw the largest increase in traffic by far, with passenger numbers surging by 55.1%. Some of that jump can be explained by a lag in tourism as Japan only reopened its borders in late 2022. Despite the jump, Tokyo Haneda is still 7.9% under its 2019 level of traffic. This January the airport made headlines after a fatal collision involving a Japan Airlines plane and a coastguard vehicle killed five people.

4. London Heathrow, UK

Passengers: 79.2 million

2022 ranking: 8th

Travel through the UK's largest airport shot up by 218% in 2022 and has once again made strong gains throughout 2023, jumping by a slightly more modest 28.5%. The airport has credited travel from the Asia-Pacific region as a major factor in its increased passenger numbers. It hopes to supersede its pre-pandemic level of traffic in 2024 and hit a record 81.4 million passengers, the airport said in a report published in December.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, USA

Passengers: 81.8 million

2022 ranking: 2nd

Dallas/Fort Worth airport , known as DFW, is American Airlines' busiest hub and the departure city for many of the airline's international flights. Last year traffic through the airport jumped by 11.4%.

2. Dubai International Airport, UAE

Passengers: 87 million

2022 ranking: 5th

Dubai took the number 2 ranking in the list for the first time, thanks to a significant 31.7% increase in passenger numbers. Dubai's new position reflects the heavy investment that has gone into the aviation industry and boosting tourism in the region.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA

Passengers: 104.7 million

2022 ranking: 1st

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport comes in at No. 1 as the busiest airport in the world, a position it has held for more than two decades. In 2023, the Atlanta airport saw an 11.7% increase in passenger numbers.

Here's a look at what it takes to be an air traffic controller at the world's busiest airport.

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