Foreign tourist visits to Maharashtra have more than doubled over the last three years, reinforcing the state’s position as India’s leading international tourism destination. According to official data, Maharashtra received 1.512 million foreign tourists in 2022, which rose sharply to 3.388 million in 2023 and further to 3.705 million in 2024.
In 2024, Maharashtra accounted for the highest share of foreign tourist visits in the country at 17.69 per cent, highlighting its growing global appeal.
The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination across key international source markets through a multi-pronged strategy. This includes participation in major global travel trade fairs and exhibitions, organisation of familiarisation (FAM) tours for foreign tour operators, media and influencers, tourism roadshows, India food festivals, and sustained digital and social media outreach. These initiatives are undertaken in close coordination with Indian Missions abroad, industry stakeholders, and State Governments, including Maharashtra.
To strengthen tourism infrastructure, the Ministry provides financial assistance under flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), and PRASHAD. These schemes are implemented in consultation with the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.
The Ministry also holds regular consultation meetings with state tourism departments, including Maharashtra, to address issues related to tourism development and promotion, and to align national and state-level strategies for sustained growth in the sector.
