Foreign tourist arrivals in Punjab have witnessed a significant decline, while domestic tourism has registered impressive growth. According to a report presented by the Ministry of Tourism in Parliament, foreign tourist arrivals in Punjab fell by 47 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024. In contrast, domestic tourist arrivals increased by 25 per cent during the same period.
Foreign tourists contribute valuable foreign exchange to the state’s economy, helping strengthen Punjab’s position in the global tourism market. With its rich agricultural landscape, vibrant folk culture, traditional music and dance, religious heritage, and lush greenery, Punjab possesses immense potential to attract international visitors.
Official statistics reveal that 162,541 foreign tourists visited Punjab in 2025, down sharply from 541,784 in 2024. In comparison, the state welcomed 308,135 foreign tourists in 2021, 329,458 in 2022, and 741,734 in 2023, the highest figure recorded in the past five years. Despite Punjab’s strong religious, historical, and cultural tourism appeal, foreign tourist arrivals have declined considerably in recent years. Reduced international flight connectivity and inadequate global promotion are considered among the key reasons behind this trend.
Tourism experts believe that strengthening international air connectivity, improving tourism infrastructure, and launching aggressive promotional campaigns could significantly boost foreign tourist arrivals.
On a positive note, domestic tourism has shown encouraging growth. The number of Indian tourists visiting Punjab has increased by 25 per cent, rising from over 2.5 lakh in 2021 to more than 3.5 lakh in 2023. This growth is largely attributed to the increasing popularity of religious tourism.
The Punjab government has also stepped up efforts to strengthen the tourism sector. According to the Tourism Minister, heritage and tourism infrastructure projects worth over ₹62 crore are currently being developed across the state. Significant investments are being made to promote historical and religious destinations. In addition, the Central government has approved border tourism projects at Attari and eco-tourism initiatives at Kanjli Wetland in Kapurthala under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
With improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and sustained promotional efforts, Punjab is expected to attract a larger number of foreign tourists in the coming years while continuing its strong momentum in domestic tourism.