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Arrivals of foreigners at the Ardh Kumbh have jumped 35 per cent over 2013, the last time the mela (festival) was held at Prayagraj.
Not only this, the 49-day fair is also attracting travellers from unconventional countries.
“... We have noticed close to a 78 per cent surge in international queries to Allahabad for January to March and most of it can be attributed to the Ardh Kumbh mela,” said Sharat Dhall, COO (B2C), Yatra.com.
The visa-on arrival and e-visa facility has dramatically shortened the immigration process for individuals travelling to the Ardh Kumbh, and is attracting more tourists to the mela this year.
Inbound tourism
The mela — as always — is expected to see tourists from several countries including the US, Canada, Bhutan, Malaysia and South Africa. However, this time travellers are also expcted from countries like Egypt, Cambodia, and Indonesia. “Over 192 countries received an official invitation from the government to become a part of the world’s biggest cultural and faith congregation,” says Kapil Goswamy, MD, Big Breaks.com.
Travel industry experts believe the mela will lead to a surge in inbound tourism.
“Ardh Kumbh is a very large gathering of people and it will definitely boost tourist arrivals to UP both from other States and overseas. This will definitely give a boost to inbound travel, said Karan Anand, Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings Ltd.
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