Nine percent increase in tourists in Rajasthan

Jaipur: A nine per cent increase was registered this year in the footfall of tourists in Rajasthan, best known for forts and palaces, with the French being the most among foreigners visiting the state.

A total of 3,25,58,009 tourists including 3,11,91,011 domestic and 13,66,998 foreigners visited the desert state till November this year.

The increase in number of tourists was 9.44 per cent during January to November this year as compared to the corresponding period last year.

Tourism Director Vikram Singh told PTI today that the highest increase of 27.16 per cent was registered in May, which is an otherwise off-season.

Among foreign tourists, most were from France followed by Germany and Italy.

In June, Jodhpur, popularly known as the Sun city, was flooded by people from countries like Japan, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia besides the European countries, whereas there were no tourists from these Asian countries to Chittorgarh, which is famous for its fort.

Similarly, the inflow of tourists to Ranakpur in Pali district was also high, he said.

Tourism season in the desert state begins in October-November which lasts till March-April.