Why Rajasthan’s tourist footfall rose 10% in 2025 and what it means for transfers

This piece examines Rajasthan’s 10% growth in tourist footfalls in 2025 and how the trend may affect travel, transfers, and local transport services.

Key figures at a glance

The state of Rajasthan welcomed 25.44 crore visitors in 2025, up from 23.22 crore in 2024 — a 10% increase despite a small decline in foreign arrivals.

Main drivers of the rebound

Industry observers point to several factors behind the sustained influx of visitors to the state:

• Heritage and culture: Historic forts, palaces and living traditions continue to draw domestic travelers.
• Desert landscapes: Unique natural vistas and rural experiences appeal to both families and solo travelers.
• MICE and weddings: Meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and large-scale wedding tourism have expanded rapidly, adding to room nights and local spending.
• Promotion and new circuits: Targeted marketing and development of lesser-known attractions are helping spread visitor loads beyond major hubs.

Pressure points: foreign arrivals and security events

While aggregate arrivals rose, foreign tourist visits fell by around 6%, a decline that was still smaller than the national average. Stakeholders link the drop partly to events such as the Pahalgam terrorist attack and subsequent security operations like Operation Sindoor, which had a broader dampening effect on international confidence. Even so, domestic travel growth more than offset the fall in inbound tourism.

Industry perspectives

Surendra Singh Shahpura, president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), noted that Rajasthan’s heritage and landscapes keep it near the top of holiday choices. Ranvijay Singh, Senior Vice President of the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan, highlighted expansion in wedding and MICE facilities and pointed to government promotional spending as factors sustaining momentum.

Projects shaping the next phase

The tourism department is investing in several initiatives designed to broaden appeal and capacity:

• Maharana Pratap circuit: New thematic routing to connect historical sites.
• Khatu Shyam temple: Capacity addition and beautification projects to better handle pilgrim traffic.
• Lesser-known attractions: Marketing and infrastructure upgrades to distribute visitor flows and ease pressure on major monuments.

What this means for taxi and transfer services

Rising visitor numbers — particularly from weddings and MICE — create predictable demand patterns for private transfers, airport taxis, multi-seater vehicles and chauffeur services. Key impacts include:

• Higher demand for scheduled airport pickups and drop-offs, especially in peak wedding seasons.
• Increased need for larger vehicles and minibuses for group transfers tied to conferences and ceremonies.
• Opportunity for local drivers and transfer companies to offer tailored packages (sightseeing routes, hourly hires, and multi-day chauffeur services).
• Greater importance of transparent booking: travelers want to know vehicle make, model, seats and driver ratings before they book.

Operational takeaways for transfer providers

Providers should consider improving fleet diversity (from sedans to 7-seaters and minibuses), ensuring driver licensing and training, and offering clear fare information. Technology-backed booking, real-time tracking, and visible ratings will help win traveler trust as competition intensifies.

Forecast and context

Globally, this 10% rise in Rajasthan is a regional story rather than a dramatic shift on the world tourism map, but it is meaningful at a national and state level. It signals resilience in domestic demand and the value of diversified tourism offerings. For travelers and transfer operators alike, staying informed about evolving routes and seasonal peaks helps plan capacity and service levels. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of LocalsRide.

Highlights of why this topic matters include Rajasthan’s balanced mix of leisure and MICE tourism, the state’s strategic investments in circuits and temples, and the role of targeted promotion in sustaining visitor growth. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide rande of additional options provided by LocalsRide.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of your article. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

In summary, Rajasthan’s 2025 uptick reflects the enduring appeal of its heritage, culture and desert experiences, bolstered by growing MICE and wedding tourism and strategic government initiatives such as the Maharana Pratap circuit and Khatu Shyam upgrades. For travelers needing transfers—be it airport pickup, city sightseeing, private limousine or group shuttles—transparent booking, exact fare details and vehicle options matter more than ever. LocalsRide.com supports this trend by offering global, user-friendly booking for personalized transfers, trips and deliveries, with clear vehicle and driver details, fares and ratings to help you choose the best service for your destination, time and price.