Indian tourism continues to grow

Updated 15 August 2012
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Indian tourism continues to grow

India is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. As of 2011, the Asian nation, which has millions of residents, speak more than 15 languages and dozens of dialects, follow a variety of religious traditions and live in a multitude of urban and rural centers. From the humid, tropical south to the rolling plains of the Ganges to the foothills of the Himalayas, the huge country’s geography is as varied as its population. As a result, millions of international and domestic tourists explore India annually, strongly influencing the national economy.
Like the country is endowed with rich natural resources, it is also rich in tourism. It boasts a large number of popular tourist destinations, a growing population and probably the only country, which offers the whole range of products and services to an inquisitive international tourist. In fact, India and China are and will most likely remain the only members of the 1 billion-population club. According to the United Nations projections, no other country will reach a population size of 1 billion persons in years to come.
So far as the popular Indian tourist destinations are concerned, it will take several days for an international tourist to rediscover India either by road or by air. The most popular destinations for international tourists in 2010 were the Indian states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Delhi, while most domestic tourists visited the states of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, according to the Indian Ministry of Tourism. To attract more tourists to these and other destinations, the Indian government has been initiating several plans, one of them being to attract foreign investment in hotels, restaurants and beach resorts.
The Indian government, of late, has invested millions of dollars in 37 destinations ranked as desirable tourist areas. Other economic incentives include complete tax exemptions for tourist facilities and amusement parks in Uttarakhand, and lower luxury taxes in the state of Rajasthan. There are several other facilities offered by the Indian government for tourists and for those foreign investors, who opt to invest in the tourism sector of India.
A large number of foreign investors have evinced keen interest in investing in tourism sector in India because of the growth of this sector. In fact, the travel and tourism industry is responsible for 6.1 percent of India’s Gross Domestic Product as of 2011. The tourism industry directly and indirectly employs more than 26 million Indian citizens, representing 5.7 percent of the country’s total employment, according to the World Economic Forum.
Additional jobs related to tourism total over 37 million, or 7.5 percent. In 2010, the tourism industry brought in more than $14 billion and experienced an annual growth rate of 24.6 percent. This revenue directly impacts the economy, especially in sectors such as hospitality, hotels, construction, handicrafts, horticulture and agriculture. The hotel industry alone employs 150,000 people. According to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, more than 5.5 million foreign tourists visited India in 2010, representing an annual growth rate of 8.1 percent.
Of the 940 million international tourist arrivals worldwide, India accounted for a substantial percentage in the rank of foreign tourists worldwide. In terms of the amount of money spent by international visitors, India ranked 16th in the world. About 900,000 foreign tourists — 16 percent — came from the US and 700,000 — 13.5 percent — came from the UK.
Indian tourism continues to grow, both in volume and value. It registered a growth of 11.8 percent foreign tourist arrivals in the country in 2010. India’s foreign tourist arrivals have crossed six million in 2011 and are expected to touch seven million this year. These figures have been achieved mainly because of the tourism products and services offered by India on the one hand and because of its natural and cultural beauty on the other.
India is one of the most diverse of countries. It has some of the coldest places in Kashmir, Cherrapunji in the northeast that records the highest annual rainfall in the world, and the Thar Desert, one of the driest places on the earth. India is also home to beautiful beaches. The northern part of the country hosts Himalayan Ranges with snow-capped mountains.
Agra’s Taj Mahal — the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s favorite and beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal — is among the attractions visited mostly by travelers, both overseas and domestic. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal was built by a Mogul king. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labor and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amid landscaped gardens.
Jaipur is another interesting tourist attraction. It is also popularly known as the Pink City, and it is the capital of the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Lots of people flock to this destination rich in culture to view its various forts and monuments that reflect its glorious past. Tourism is a significant part of Jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here.
Another fascinating place in India is Goa, which is famous for its pristine beaches. In fact 90 percent of all the tourism in Goa happens only for its beautiful beaches in coastal areas.
India also offers wonders of astronomy. Kanyakumari is a place to watch the sun. Though there are several places of tourist interests in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies — the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea — makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full moon evenings, one can also see the moon rise and sun set at the same time — on either side of the horizon.
The southern state of Kerala is rich in coastal tourism. Situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives, beautiful backwaters and alternative healing massages. After enjoying a stay in Kerala, one can take a flight and reach the capital city of Delhi, which is yet another fascinating destination for tourists.
Delhi, the capital of India has many attractions like mosques, forts and other monuments that represent India’s history. The important places in old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort. New Delhi on the other hand houses many government buildings and embassies, apart from places of historical interest. The Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb have been declared World Heritage sites in Delhi.
In Maharashtra, Ajanta and Ellora caves are known for their 28-30 rock-cut monuments created during the first century BC and 5th century AD, containing paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of art. The caves are located just outside the village of Ajanta and Ellora in the state’s Aurangabad district. Since 1983, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage site. Last but not the least is Darjeeling in India, which owes its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and, above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home.

 


2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly

Updated 10 June 2025
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2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly

  • Generations decades apart walk same sacred path

MINA: Mina was alive in recent days with the footsteps of millions, yet every pilgrim’s pace told a different story, from those who waited decades for the moment to those capturing it in real time.

In the tent city of Mina, two pilgrims rested side by side: one catching his breath, the other capturing a selfie. One scrolled through prayer times on his smartphone; the other adjusted the strap of his orthopedic sandal. One leaned on a walking stick; the other scrolled through digital navigation. But both wore the same white ihram and followed the same steps.

This was the paradox of Hajj 2025, where generations decades apart walked the same sacred path in remarkably different ways. They shared no common language except the unspoken one of faith.

For 73-year-old Moinuddin from Pakistan, the pilgrimage was a long-awaited dream, one that had been etched over decades of supplication.

He said: “I have the desire and I ask help from God to give me courage and power to perform this Hajj for the Isaal-e-Sawaab (gifting of spiritual rewards) for my mother.”

He paused often, not just for rest, but to reflect — at Arafat, in Muzdalifah, and between the pillars of Jamarat.

Just a few rows behind him, Mustafa, 22, from Denmark, documented his Hajj in quick snaps and video clips. He brought a camera with him to capture the moments for his friends and family back home. He said: “Coming here as a young person, I am grateful. I see a lot of older people and it’s difficult; you have to work a lot.”

While Mustafa relied on digital navigation to track his group, Moinuddin leaned gently on a young companion’s shoulder. Both pilgrims endured the same sun, the same crowds, and the same powerful rituals, but the lens through which they experienced Hajj was shaped by their stage in life.

As the majority of pilgrims were elderly, many arrived with wheelchairs, walkers, or full family support. Their presence was treated with reverence — volunteers readily offered water, fans, and silent prayers as they passed.

In contrast, the younger generation brought a different rhythm — one of documentation, discovery, digital devotion, QR codes at checkpoints, real-time language translation apps, and virtual guides to make this year’s Hajj more accessible than ever.

But tech aside, the younger pilgrims still found themselves drawn into moments of stillness.

What binds both ends of the age spectrum was the raw, shared surrender to something greater. In a space where nationality, status, and language dissolve, so too does age. You could be 18 or 81 — you still bow to the same qibla.

At Mina, where pebbles were cast in symbolic defiance of ego, one young man gently steadied an old man’s arm before throwing his own stones. A quiet exchange, but one that said everything.

As pilgrims circled the Kaaba one final time before departure, the generational divide faded further. Some walked swiftly, others were pushed gently in wheelchairs, but all completed the same Tawaf Al-Wadaa (farewell tawaf).

The journey in the end was not measured in steps or speed, but in surrender. And that, in the valley of Makkah, was a language every pilgrim spoke fluently.


Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File
Updated 09 June 2025
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Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

  • In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light”

JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith.

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light.” At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.

The mountain’s distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)

Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: “There’s something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it’s not just a climb, but it’s a spiritual awakening.”

To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider’s web and a dove’s nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.

Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da’wah and the great spiritual responsibility.

FASTFACTS

• Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. 

• Programs like ‘Hala,’ launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. 

Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay’ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.

Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma’la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet’s beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.

“Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,” Khan added.

Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.

Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: “We’re planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. It’s a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.”

Further west of the Prophet’s Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam’s critical battles.

Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.

Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi’ Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions. Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam’s formative years.

Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet’s leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.

Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: “I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur’anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.”

Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like “Hala,” launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.

Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: “Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.”

 


MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

Updated 09 June 2025
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MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

  • Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, has congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a successful Hajj season.

“This success reflects the Saudi government’s great efforts and capabilities in serving pilgrims and ensuring they perform rituals with ease, safety and security,” he said.

Al-Budaiwi praised the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure, precise organization, use of modern technologies — including artificial intelligence — and skilled workforce.

“These efforts delivered an exceptional Hajj experience and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving Islam and Muslims,” he added. The secretary-general also lauded the Kingdom’s continuous development of the Hajj system.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies.

He praised the generous care provided to pilgrims, highlighting the smooth movement between holy sites and the commitment to ensuring their comfort and spiritual focus.

 


Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

Updated 09 June 2025
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Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

  • Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present

JEDDAH: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu departed Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and several other officials accompanied Muizzu to King Abdulaziz International Airport to wish him farewell, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present.

 


Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

As Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts. (SPA)
Updated 09 June 2025
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Spiritual journey of Hajj pilgrims ends with gifts and souvenirs

  • Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance
  • Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an

MAKKAH: Throughout their profound journey of faith, especially as Hajj concludes, pilgrims commonly engage in the cherished custom of purchasing gifts.

They flock to the malls and markets of Makkah, particularly those around the Grand Mosque. This tradition expresses their spiritual fulfillment and prepares them for their return home, blessed by Allah for having performed the sacred rites, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Gift buying represents joy at Hajj’s successful conclusion and strengthens social bonds between relatives, SPA added.

Many gifts symbolize the holy sites and carry deep religious significance. Popular choices include Zamzam water, prayer beads, and copies of the Holy Qur’an.

Pilgrims also frequently buy perfumes like incense and musk, along with various types of dates — ajwa dates being especially sought after.

The markets of Makkah and Madinah see a significant boom after Hajj, bustling with pilgrims of diverse nationalities.

These vibrant markets include modern malls in the Haram area, the traditional Aziziyah Market, the Hijaz Market, and bazaars near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Merchants actively meet this demand, offering a wide range of products, special offers for pilgrims, and often discounts on bulk purchases.