Draft Final Report
Draft Final Report
Draft Final Report
A Report
By
Kantar IMRB
Introduction
Acknowledgements
We are thankful to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for assigning this study to
study the impact of fairs / festivals on increase the tourist footfall in selected destinations in
India. We are grateful to Smt. Rashmi Verma, the Secretary (Tourism) for this prestigious
assignment.
We would also like to thank various office holders of departments / boards of tourism in
various states / union territories for their kind support.
Last, but not the least, we would like to thank our entire team of research professionals as
well as our field staff and support team for their cooperation and team spirit for keeping up
the momentum and time schedule of the study.
Executive Summary
The Ministry of Tourism, of the Government of India, provides Central Financial Assistance
(CFA) to governments / administrations of states and union territories of India every year
for conducting fairs & festivals with an objective to boost the tourist inflow. Kantar IMRB
(earlier known as IMRB International) was appointed by the Ministry to assess the impact of
these fairs and festivals for inflow of tourists.
Over a period of one year, Kantar IMRB conducted extensive primary research across the
country to achieve the objectives of the study. Key highlights of the primary survey were:
81 fairs & festivals spread across 36 states / union territories of India were covered.
Close to 2,175 hotels, guest houses etc. were empanelled to participate in the study.
Almost 60,000 interviews were conducted with tourists, both Indian and
international:
o Around 24,400 listing interviews at the place of stay.
o More than 39,400 listing interviews at the fair/festival ground.
o Around 4,750 main profiling interviews at the place of stay.
This report is a compilation of individual fair / festival reports. However, key findings from
the study are presented below.
In the survey conducted in the fair ground, it was found that close to 40% of the visitors
were those tourists who had specifically come to visit fair / festival. However, over 65% of
these tourists stay in un-registered accommodations (such as camp sites etc.) or with their
friends / family.
Business travellers
7%
Tourists; visiting
specifically for fair /
festival
39%
Chart on next page shows the planning process of tourists to visit the destination where fair
/ festival is being organized.
When do tourists start planning their visit? When do they book their travel?
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Subsequent chart shows major sources of information for the tourists visiting a destination
where fair / festival is being organized.
30%
15%
0%
TV Advertisement
Various Sources of Information Most Important Source of Information
Two important sources of information – on the destination where fair / festival is being
organized and the fair / festival itself – are newspapers and internet.
On an average, tourists spend around INR 23-24,000/- for a family / group of 3 to travel to
the destination / location where fair / festival is being celebrated. Chart on next page shows
break-up of expenses of a typical tourist group.
Other expenses
Travel to & fro
16%
destination
26%
Shopping at local
market
13%
Boarding & lodging
Local travel 27%
7%
Travel to & from the destination comprises of around 26% of the total expenses. Boarding
and lodging form around 27% of the total expenses. On an average, tourists tend to spend
around 10-15% more in case they are visiting the fair/festival.
Tables on next few pages summarize key findings for each fair / festival.
Table below summarizes the total footfalls of Indian and foreign visitors to each fair & festival as well as increase in footfall due
to fair / festival.
Table 1: Fair / festival wise summary of visitor footfalls and increase in footfalls due to fair / festival
Increase in Footfalls
Total Footfalls
Due to Fair / Festival
Name of the Duration of Tourists Staying At
No State / UT
Fair / Festival Fair / Festival Registered Unregistered Total Visitors
Total
Accommodation Accommodation Tourists
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
Andaman &
1 Beach Festival 17-19 Apr 2016 5,540 90 Negligible Negligible 5,630 20 Negligible 20
Nicobar
Andaman & Island Tourism
2 5-14 Jan 2016 6,250 230 Negligible Negligible 6,480 30 Negligible 30
Nicobar Festival
Arunachal Kameng River
3 21-23 Jan 2016 60 Negligible Negligible Negligible 60 30 Negligible 30
Pradesh Festival
Arunachal Nyokum Yullo
4 24-26 Feb 2016 300 Negligible Negligible Negligible 300 100 Negligible 100
Pradesh Festival
5 Bihar Bodh Mahotsav 17-19 Jan 2016 550 1,160 55 60 1,825 250 330 580
6 Bihar Dev Mahotsav 14-15 Feb 2016 10 Negligible Negligible Negligible 10 10 Negligible 10
Chrysanthemum
7 Chandigarh 11-13 Dec 2015 1,740 Negligible Negligible Negligible 1,740 Negligible Negligible Negligible
Show
Rose & Heritage
8 Chandigarh 19-23 Feb 2016 2,990 Negligible Negligible Negligible 2,990 Negligible Negligible Negligible
Car Festival
Dongargarh
9 Chhattisgarh 1-10 Oct 2016 100 Negligible 270 Negligible 370 390 Negligible 390
Navratri Mela
10 Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 01 Nov 2016 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
Dadra & Nagar
11 Tarpa Festival 25-27 Dec 2015 840 Negligible Negligible Negligible 840 330 Negligible 330
Haveli
Garden Tourism
12 Delhi 19-21 Feb 2016 1,420 Negligible Negligible Negligible 1,420 250 Negligible 250
Festival
13 Goa Goa Carnival 25-28 Feb 2017 19,970 Negligible Negligible Negligible 19,970 10,350 Negligible 10,350
Serendipity Arts
14 Goa 16-23 Dec 2016 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
Festival
15 Gujarat Chitra-Vichitra Fair 22 Apr 2016 600 Negligible Negligible Negligible 600 310 Negligible 310
Modhera Dance
16 Gujarat 16-17 Jan 2016 730 Negligible Negligible Negligible 730 190 Negligible 190
Festival
17 Gujarat Polo Cycle Race 21-24 Jan 2016 7,620 Negligible Negligible Negligible 7,620 4,960 Negligible 4,960
Increase in Footfalls
Total Footfalls
Due to Fair / Festival
Name of the Duration of Tourists Staying At
No State / UT
Fair / Festival Fair / Festival Registered Unregistered Total Visitors
Total
Accommodation Accommodation Tourists
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
Haryana Baisakhi
18 Haryana 13-14 Apr 2016 13,280 270 Negligible Negligible 13,550 Negligible Negligible Negligible
Mela
19 Haryana Surajkund Mela 1-15 Feb 2016 10,810 Negligible Negligible Negligible 10,810 310 Negligible 310
Himachal
20 Anni Fair 7-9 May 2016 2,510 Negligible Negligible Negligible 2,510 1,690 Negligible 1,690
Pradesh
Himachal
21 Dungari Fair 14-16 May 2016 3,290 40 Negligible Negligible 3,330 620 Negligible 620
Pradesh
Himachal Kullu Spring
22 28-30 Apr 2016 1,610 Negligible Negligible Negligible 1,610 470 Negligible 470
Pradesh Festival
Himachal
23 Sippy Fair 13-14 May 2016 90 Negligible Negligible Negligible 90 30 Negligible 30
Pradesh
Jammu &
24 J&K Baisakhi Mela 13-14 Apr 2016 3,440 Negligible Negligible Negligible 3,440 400 Negligible 400
Kashmir
Jammu &
25 Tulip Festival 13-14 Apr 2016 20,625 Negligible 175 Negligible 20,800 700 Negligible 700
Kashmir
26 Jharkhand Sarhul Festival 10 Apr 2016 230 Negligible Negligible Negligible 230 140 Negligible 140
27 Karnataka Hampi Festival 3-5 Nov 2016 2,280 20 Negligible Negligible 2,300 1,460 10 1,470
Mysore Dussehra
28 Karnataka 2-11 Oct 2016 8,690 300 2,040 30 11,060 8,130 130 8,260
Festival
29 Kerala Anayadi Gajamela 7-8 Jan 2016 150 Negligible Negligible Negligible 150 10 Negligible 10
Chinakkathoor
30 Kerala 22 Feb 2016 400 Negligible Negligible Negligible 400 310 Negligible 310
Pooram
27 Dec 2015-
31 Kerala Cochin Carnival 9,500 1,515 400 15 11,430 3,980 430 4,410
3 Jan 2016
Kadamanitta
32 Kerala 14-21 Apr 2016 50 Negligible Negligible Negligible 50 30 Negligible 30
Patayani
33 Kerala Kudal Manikyam 19-29 Apr 2016 260 Negligible Negligible Negligible 260 120 Negligible 120
34 Kerala Mullackal Chirapp 20-27 Dec 2015 5,280 Negligible Negligible Negligible 5,280 700 Negligible 700
35 Kerala Puthupally Perunaal 6-7 May 2016 280 Negligible Negligible Negligible 280 220 Negligible 220
Uthralikkavu
36 Kerala 03 Jan 2016 60 Negligible Negligible Negligible 60 20 Negligible 20
Pooram
Increase in Footfalls
Total Footfalls
Due to Fair / Festival
Name of the Duration of Tourists Staying At
No State / UT
Fair / Festival Fair / Festival Registered Unregistered Total Visitors
Total
Accommodation Accommodation Tourists
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
Madhya Khajuraho Dance
37 20-26 Feb 2017 770 360 70 30 1,230 460 220 680
Pradesh Festival
Madhya
38 Lokrang Festival 22-26 Feb 2017 430 40 Negligible Negligible 470 70 Negligible 70
Pradesh
Madhya Tansen Music
39 23-26 Jan 2016 1,315 25 625 5 1,970 620 Negligible 620
Pradesh Festival
40 Maharashtra Chikoo Festival 21-22 Jan 2017 130 Negligible Negligible Negligible 130 30 Negligible 30
Kala Ghoda Arts
41 Maharashtra 4-12 Feb 2017 6,220 Negligible Negligible Negligible 6,220 1,640 Negligible 1,640
Festival
42 Maharashtra Kalidas Festival 21-24 Nov 2016 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
Sawai Gandharva
43 Maharashtra 8-11 Dec 2016 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
Festival
44 Maharashtra Sunburn Festival 28-31 Dec 2016 37,040 Negligible Negligible Negligible 37,040 22,880 Negligible 22,880
45 Manipur Kut Festival 01 Nov 2016 340 Negligible Negligible Negligible 340 150 Negligible 150
Manipur Sanghai
46 Manipur 21-30 Nov 2016 460 80 Negligible Negligible 540 310 80 390
Festival
Cherrapunjee
47 Meghalaya 18 Dec 2016 270 10 Negligible Negligible 280 Negligible Negligible Negligible
Festival
Cherry Blossom
48 Meghalaya 14-17 Nov 2016 390 20 Negligible Negligible 410 180 Negligible 180
Festival
Nongkrem Dance
49 Meghalaya 07 Dec 2016 430 Negligible 80 Negligible 510 390 Negligible 390
Festival
Wangala Dance
50 Meghalaya 10-12 Nov 2016 90 Negligible Negligible Negligible 90 50 Negligible 50
Festival
51 Mizoram Thalfavang Kut 10-12 Dec 2015 30 Negligible Negligible Negligible 30 Negligible Negligible Negligible
52 Nagaland Hornbill Festival 1-10 Dec 2016 545 80 45 10 680 470 90 560
Dhauli-Kalinga
53 Odisha 6-8 Feb 2016 1,810 120 Negligible Negligible 1,930 130 70 200
Mahotsav
54 Odisha Konark Festival 1-5 Dec 2017 2,430 50 Negligible Negligible 2,480 1,210 40 1,250
Toshali National
55 Odisha 15-27 Dec 2016 2,940 120 Negligible Negligible 3,060 490 90 580
Crafts Mela
Increase in Footfalls
Total Footfalls
Due to Fair / Festival
Name of the Duration of Tourists Staying At
No State / UT
Fair / Festival Fair / Festival Registered Unregistered Total Visitors
Total
Accommodation Accommodation Tourists
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
International Yoga
56 Puducherry 4-7 Jan 2016 17,910 950 1,020 Negligible 19,880 8,550 240 8,780
Festival
57 Puducherry Liberation Day 01 Nov 2016 16,670 560 Negligible Negligible 17,230 560 560 1,120
Kila Raipur Rural
58 Punjab 5-7 Feb 2016 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
Sports Festival
59 Punjab Maghi Mela 12-14 Jan 2016 1810 Negligible Negligible Negligible 180 Negligible Negligible Negligible
Bikaner Camel
60 Rajasthan 10-01-2016 1,870 10 120 Negligible 2,000 1,170 10 1,180
Festival
61 Rajasthan Desert Festival 19-23 Feb 2016 3,600 70 Negligible Negligible 3,670 2,830 60 2,890
62 Rajasthan Mahaveerji Festival 15-17 Apr 2016 1,170 Negligible Negligible Negligible 1,170 1,150 Negligible 1,150
63 Rajasthan Mewar Festival 9-11 Apr 2016 8,770 320 2,910 100 12,100 11,660 410 12,070
64 Rajasthan Summer Festival 20-21 May 2016 1,590 Negligible Negligible Negligible 1,590 1,560 Negligible 1,560
Jorethang Maghey
65 Sikkim 12-16 Jan 2016 20 Negligible Negligible Negligible 20 20 Negligible 20
Mela
Lampokhari
66 Sikkim 14-16 Apr 2016 110 Negligible 60 Negligible 170 60 Negligible 60
Paryatan Mahotsav
Mahamakam
67 Tamil Nadu 22-Feb-16 1,250 20 Negligible Negligible 1,270 1,210 20 1,230
Festival
Meenakshi 21 Apr 2016-
68 Tamil Nadu 2,020 160 Negligible Negligible 2,180 1,320 50 1,370
Kalyanam 2 May 2016
69 Tamil Nadu Natyanjali Festival 07 Mar 2016 500 20 Negligible Negligible 520 240 Negligible 240
Ooty Flower
70 Tamil Nadu 27 May 2016 11,050 Negligible Negligible Negligible 11,050 4,020 Negligible 4,020
Festival
30 Jul –
71 Tamil Nadu Sarai Vizha 1,120 Negligible Negligible Negligible 1,120 660 Negligible 660
06 Aug 2016
Teppakulam Float
72 Tamil Nadu 24 Jan 2016 1,390 1,280 Negligible Negligible 2,670 210 320 530
Festival
27 Jan 2016-
73 Uttar Pradesh Lucknow Mahotsav 4,030 Negligible Negligible Negligible 4,030 2,950 Negligible 2,950
8 Feb 2016
Sarnath Buddha
74 Uttar Pradesh 21-22 May 2016 6,010 80 Negligible Negligible 6,090 2,260 Negligible 2,260
Mahotsav
Increase in Footfalls
Total Footfalls
Due to Fair / Festival
Name of the Duration of Tourists Staying At
No State / UT
Fair / Festival Fair / Festival Registered Unregistered Total Visitors
Total
Accommodation Accommodation Tourists
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
Shravasti Buddha
75 Uttar Pradesh 21 May 2016 620 Negligible Negligible Negligible 620 620 Negligible 620
Mahotsav
Late Gabbar Singh
76 Uttarakhand 23 Apr 2016 1,760 Negligible Negligible Negligible 1,760 Negligible Negligible Negligible
Mela
Mussourie Winter
77 Uttarakhand 24-30 Dec 2015 9,210 Negligible Negligible Negligible 9,210 880 Negligible 880
Carnival
Shahid Kesari
78 Uttarakhand 03 May 2016 100 Negligible Negligible Negligible 100 Negligible Negligible Negligible
Chand Mela
79 West Bengal Gangasagar Mela 12-17 Jan 2016 750 10 Negligible Negligible 760 740 10 750
Shaniniketan Poush
80 West Bengal 19-27 Dec 2016 650 10 Negligible Negligible 660 640 Negligible 640
Mela
81 West Bengal Vishnupur Festival 27-31 Dec 2016 390 Negligible Negligible Negligible 390 190 Negligible 190
Table below summarizes the time spent by tourists at the fair grounds and sightseeting as well as the average days taken to
plan the visit and finalize the same. It also mentions popular places of interest visited / activities undertaken by the tourists.
Table 2: Destination visit - places visited, time spent in planning, finalizing and visiting
Total Time Spent
Average Days Taken
Name of the Duration of Other Activities At the Destination
No State / UT Fair / Festival Sightseeing Planning Finalizing
Fair / Festival Fair / Festival / Places Visited
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
Andaman &
1 Beach Festival 17-19 Apr 2016 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Nicobar
Himachal
21 Dungari Fair 14-16 May 2016 NA 1.5 NA 1.4 NA 15 NA 0 NA
Pradesh
Manikaran, Rohtang,
Himachal Kullu Spring Manali, Parashar
22 28-30 Apr 2016 1.4 NA 1 NA 23 NA 0 NA
Pradesh Festival Lake, Bijli Mahadev,
etc.
Himachal Mall Road, Kufri,
23 Sippy Fair 13-14 May 2016 1.1 NA 1.1 NA 10 NA 0 NA
Pradesh Jakhu Temple, etc.
Uthralikkavu
36 Kerala 03 Jan 2016 NA 2.7 NA 3 NA 169 NA 0 NA
Pooram
Jain Temple, Indian
Tribal and Folk Art
Madhya Khajuraho
37 20-26 Feb 2017 Museum, Western 2.7 6.5 2.6 4.5 60 135 0 0
Pradesh Dance Festival
Temple, Art Market,
etc.
Madhya
38 Lokrang Festival 22-26 Feb 2017 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Pradesh
Sun Temple, Sas
Madhya Tansen Music Bahu Temple, Raja
39 23-26 Jan 2016 2.6 2.5 1.6 1.5 28 45 0 0
Pradesh Festival Man Singh Fort,
Tansen Makbara, etc.
Karmadi Bagh, Chiku
40 Maharashtra Chikoo Festival 21-22 Jan 2017 1.1 NA 1.3 NA 32 NA 0 NA
ki Bagh, etc.
Gateway of India,
Kala Ghoda Arts Elephanta Caves,
41 Maharashtra 4-12 Feb 2017 1.3 NA 1.8 NA 39 NA 0 NA
Festival Siddhivinayak, Haji
Ali, Alibag, etc.
Sawai
43 Maharashtra Gandharva 8-11 Dec 2016 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Festival
Sunburn Keshnan Hills,
44 Maharashtra 28-31 Dec 2016 1.5 NA 1.8 NA 12 NA 0 NA
Festival Shaniwar Wada, etc.
Kangla Fort, Loktak
Lake, Sandra Place,
45 Manipur Kut Festival 01 Nov 2016 1 NA 1.1 NA 19 NA 0 NA
Thangal Market,
Leimaram Fall, etc.
Manipur Polo Ground,
Manipur Loktak Lake, Manipur
46 Manipur 21-30 Nov 2016 2 3 1.8 3 15 4 0 0
Sanghai Festival Keibel Lamjao
National Park, etc.
Cherrapunjee Falls,
Cherrapunjee
47 Meghalaya 18 Dec 2016 Cherrapunjee Cave, 1 1 1.1 1.3 19 56 0 0
Festival
Sai Mi Kha, Elephant
Shillong Peak,
Cherrapunjee ,
Cherry Blossom Laitumkhrah
48 Meghalaya 14-17 Nov 2016 1.3 1.5 1.2 1 16 4 0 0
Festival Cathedral, Elephant
fall, Don Bosco
Museum, etc.
Nohkalikai Falls,
Seven Sister Falls,
Nongkrem
49 Meghalaya 07 Dec 2016 Wards Lake, Elephant 1.1 1 1.3 2 55 146 0 0
Dance Festival
Falls, Shillong Peak,
etc.
Balphakram National
Wangala Dance Park, Tura Water
50 Meghalaya 10-12 Nov 2016 1.7 1.8 1 1 53 9 0 0
Festival Falls, Nehru Park,
Eco Park, etc.
Durtlang, Zarkawt,
Millenium Centre,
51 Mizoram Thalfavang Kut 10-12 Dec 2015 1 1 1.8 2 35 75 0 0
Bara Bazar, Khatla
Shiva Mandir, etc.
World War 2
Cemetry, Kohima
52 Nagaland Hornbill Festival 1-10 Dec 2016 1.6 2.5 1.4 2 53 110 0 0
Village, Cathedral,
Science College, etc.
Lingaraj Temple,
Dhauli-Kalinga
53 Odisha 6-8 Feb 2016 Dhauli, Konark, Puri, 1.2 1.8 1.9 1.7 44 128 0 0
Mahotsav
Khandagiri, etc.
Puri, Chandrabhaga,
Bhubhaneshwar,
54 Odisha Konark Festival 1-5 Dec 2017 1.4 2.1 1.8 3.3 36 78 0 0
Dhauli, Ram Chandi,
etc.
Konark, Lingaraj
Temple,
Toshali National Chandrabhaga,
55 Odisha 15-27 Dec 2016 1.1 1 2 2.7 45 67 0 0
Crafts Mela Khandagiri, Nandan
Kanan Zoological
Park, etc.
Lord Ganesha
International
56 Puducherry 4-7 Jan 2016 Temple, Sacred Heart 1.4 1.5 1.3 1.3 78 105 0 0
Yoga Festival
Church, Aurobindo
Kila Raipur
58 Punjab Rural Sports 5-7 Feb 2016 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Festival
Govt College,
Muktesar Sahib
Gurudwara,
59 Punjab Maghi Mela 12-14 Jan 2016 2.7 3 2.7 3 12 11 0 0
Bhatinda, Malout
Road, Kotakpur
Road, etc.
Junagadh, Deshnak,
Bikaner Camel Karnimata Temple,
60 Rajasthan 10-01-2016 1.7 2 1.2 1.2 24 53 0 0
Festival Bikaner fort, Kolayat,
etc.
Golden Fort, Gadsisar
Lake, Patwa Haveli,
61 Rajasthan Desert Festival 19-23 Feb 2016 1.8 1.5 1.1 1.5 62 69 0 0
Desert Village, Sam
Sand Dunes, etc.
Mahavir Temple,
Shantinath Temple,
Mahaveerji
62 Rajasthan 15-17 Apr 2016 Kamal Temple, 1.6 NA 1.2 NA 23 NA 0 NA
Festival
Krishan Bai Temple,
Gwala Temple, etc.
Jagdish Temple,
Pichila Lake, City
63 Rajasthan Mewar Festival 9-11 Apr 2016 1.7 2 1.2 1.3 25 40 0 0
Place, Fateh Sagar
Jhil, Gulab Bagh, etc.
Nakki Lake, Dilwara
Summer Mandir, Sunset Point,
64 Rajasthan 20-21 May 2016 1.4 NA 1 NA 22 NA 0 NA
Festival Polo Ground,
Achalgarh Fort, etc.
Jorethang
65 Sikkim 12-16 Jan 2016 NA 2 NA NA NA 165 NA 0 NA
Maghey Mela
Teppakulam
72 Tamil Nadu 24 Jan 2016 NA 1 NA 1 NA NA NA NA NA
Float Festival
Janeshwar, Chidiya
Uttar Lucknow 27 Jan 2016- ghar, Lohiya Park,
73 1.1 NA 2.1 NA 12 NA 0 NA
Pradesh Mahotsav 8 Feb 2016 Amawadi, Kukrail
Picnic Spot, etc.
Durga Mandir, Tulsi
Manas Mandir, Kashi
Uttar Sarnath Buddha
74 21-22 May 2016 Vishwanath Temple, 1.4 NA 1.3 NA 32 NA 0 NA
Pradesh Mahotsav
Mahadevi Temple,
etc.
Shravasti
Uttar Thai Buddha Vihar,
75 Buddha 21 May 2016 1 NA 2.3 NA 36 NA 0 NA
Pradesh Angulimal Gufa, etc.
Mahotsav
Late Gabbar
76 Uttarakhand 23 Apr 2016 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Singh Mela
Mall Road, Lal Tibba,
Mussourie
77 Uttarakhand 24-30 Dec 2015 Canty Fall, Company 2.1 NA 1.5 NA 28 NA 0 NA
Winter Carnival
Garden, etc.
Shahid Kesari
78 Uttarakhand 03 May 2016 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Chand Mela
Nag Mandir, Topo
Gangasagar
79 West Bengal 12-17 Jan 2016 Ban, Dhabla Hat 4.1 8 2 1 60 270 0 0
Mela
Monasha Mandir, etc.
Vishva Bharati
Shaniniketan Temple, Kopai River,
80 West Bengal 19-27 Dec 2016 2.1 1 1.2 NA 62 23 0 0
Poush Mela Tarapith, Bakeshwar,
etc.
Jorbangla Mandir,
Madan Mohan
Vishnupur Temple, Itachuna
81 West Bengal 27-31 Dec 2016 1.8 NA 1.3 NA 28 NA 0 NA
Festival Rajbari,
Mukutmanipur,
Mangal Mandir, etc.
Table below shows the average spending (in INR) by Indian and foreign tourists as well as increase in spending due to fair /
festival.
Table 3: Average spending by tourists and increase in spending due to fair / festival
Average Amount Increase in Spending
Name of the Duration of
No State / UT Spent (INR) Due to Fair / Festival
Fair / Festival Fair / Festival
Indian Foreign Indian Foreign
1 Andaman & Nicobar Beach Festival 17-19 Apr 2016 NA NA NA NA
3 Arunachal Pradesh Kameng River Festival 21-23 Jan 2016 30,000 NA 39% NA
4 Arunachal Pradesh Nyokum Yullo Festival 24-26 Feb 2016 13,700 NA 12% NA
11 Chandigarh Rose & Heritage Car Festival 19-23 Feb 2016 18,300 NA 9% NA
14 Dadra & Nagar Haveli Tarpa Festival 25-27 Dec 2015 20,000 17,000 20% 13%
16 Goa Goa Carnival 25-28 Feb 2017 7,200 4,700 18% 12%
21 Haryana Haryana Baisakhi Mela 13-14 Apr 2016 9,300 6,600 13% 2%
25 Himachal Pradesh Kullu Spring Festival 28-30 Apr 2016 7,500 NA 17% NA
27 Jammu & Kashmir J&K Baisakhi Mela 13-14 Apr 2016 32,600 NA 8% NA
28 Jammu & Kashmir Tulip Festival 13-14 Apr 2016 54,400 1,41,000 6% 8%
31 Karnataka Mysore Dussehra Festival 2-11 Oct 2016 12,400 9,900 40% 102%
40 Madhya Pradesh Khajuraho Dance Festival 20-26 Feb 2017 12,700 5,47,500 18% NA
42 Madhya Pradesh Tansen Music Festival 23-26 Jan 2016 6,400 9,600 7% NA
44 Maharashtra Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 4-12 Feb 2017 11,900 NA 27% NA
49 Manipur Manipur Sanghai Festival 21-30 Nov 2016 16,900 8,400 13% 23%
51 Meghalaya Cherry Blossom Festival 14-17 Nov 2016 12,000 9,500 21% 27%
53 Meghalaya Wangala Dance Festival 10-12 Nov 2016 12,300 17,100 32% 12%
7 Odisha Toshali National Crafts Mela 15-27 Dec 2016 27,500 1,08,400 19% 7%
56 Puducherry International Yoga Festival 4-7 Jan 2016 4,900 32,200 13% NA
61 Rajasthan Desert Festival 19-23 Feb 2016 15,400 1,74,100 15% 12%
63 Rajasthan Mewar Festival 9-11 Apr 2016 19,300 1,62,300 15% 11%
79 West Bengal Gangasagar Mela 12-17 Jan 2016 11,600 4,700 24% NA
80 West Bengal Shaniniketan Poush Mela 19-27 Dec 2016 22,700 27,100 20% 124%
Detailed report for each fair / festival covered during the study is presented in a subsequent
chapter.
Introduction
Background of the study
The Ministry of Tourism, of the Government of India, provides Central Financial Assistance
(CFA) to governments / administrations of states and union territories of India every year
for conducting fairs & festivals. It is expected that organization of these fairs and festivals
would give a boost to tourism – both domestic and international. In order to assess the
impact of these fairs and festivals for inflow of tourist and consequent other economic
activities, the Ministry appointed Kantar IMRB to conduct a study in this regard.
Research Methodology
Different approaches and methodologies were used for undertaking each of the sub-
objectives of the study. These are discussed below.
As per the mandate of the study, around 2 to 5 fairs/festivals were to be covered from each
state / union-territory. These fairs / festivals were selected in consultation with Ministry of
Tourism and state tourism boards. In case direction was not provided by state tourism
board, popular fairs / festivals from a state / union territory were chosen.
This report covers 81 fairs & festivals spread across 36 states / union territories of India.
List of these fairs & festivals along with sample size covered for various segments is given in
table below.
Table 4: List of fairs & festivals covered in this report along with sample size
Tourist Sample Covered
Hotels Fair
No State / UT Fair / Festival Accommodation Accommodation
Empanelled Visitor
Users (Listing) Users (Main)
(Listing)
Andaman &
01 Beach Festival 81 409 288 95
Nicobar
Andaman & Island Tourism
02 82 410 654 101
Nicobar Festival
Arunachal Kameng River
03 3 399 130 30
Pradesh Festival
Arunachal Nyokum Yullo
04 31 402 401 45
Pradesh Festival
05 Bihar Bodh Mahotsav 50 400 703 100
As the first step of the study, an exhaustive list of fairs and festivals organized across
various states and union territories was prepared. This master list comprised of those fairs
and festivals which fulfil the following criteria:
Out of the master list a total number of 81 fairs/festivals were selected for the actual
survey. This number was distributed across various states/union territories based on the
tourist footfall in the state/union territory in a given year. A minimum of 2 and a maximum
of 5 fairs/festivals were allotted to each state/union territory 1. Average number of total
1
Minimum number is subject to number of fairs and festivals
tourists (domestic + foreign) was used to calculate the number of fairs & festivals that need
to be selected2.
However, fairs / festivals in some states / union territories were not covered due to various
reasons such as:
List of fairs / festivals was neither available in public domain nor was provided by the
respective state / union territory.
Exact dates of fairs / festivals to be covered were not available in public domain nor
were provided by the respective state / union territory.
In few states (such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), the selected fairs / festivals
were not organized
Some fairs / festivals (e.g. in Lakshadweep), did not fulfil the criteria as laid out
above.
For such states / union territories, substitute fairs / festivals were covered in other states /
union territories to keep the overall number of fairs / festivals covered as 81 (as accepted
as per inception report). State / union territory wise detail of all fairs / festivals covered is
given in table below.
2
In order to calculate this number, the following process is adopted: (1) Average annual number of tourists – both
domestic & foreign – visiting a given state/UT over the period 2009-12 is determined. This is given in table above.
(2) Number of tourists for the state/UT having the minimum number of tourists and the number of tourists for the
state/UT having the maximum number of tourists are determined. (3) This range (i.e. maximum – minimum i.e.
8,767 for Lakshadweep and 168,723,157 for Andhra Pradesh) was divided into 4 quartiles. These quartiles were as
follows: QI (8,767 to 42,178,597), QII (42,178,598 to 84,357,194), QIII (84,357,195 to 126,535,792) and QIV
(126,535,793 to 168,714,390). (4) States with tourist falling in a particular quartile were awarded sample as
follows: Quartile I: 2 fairs/festivals, Quartile II: 3 fairs/festivals, Quartile III: 4 fairs/festivals and Quartile IV: 5
fairs/festivals.
3
Number of fairs / festivals to be evaluated as per inception report
4
Legend: x / y (z); where x represents total fair / festival sample covered from this state / UT and y represents fair / festival sample covered in other state /
UT as a substitute. z refers to additional fair / festivals covered in this state / UT as a substitute for some other state / UT. See remarks for details.
Chandigarh 2 2 / 0 (0) Chrysanthemum Show Covered; both within the same state / UT
(11-13 Dec 2015)
Rose & Heritage Car
Festival (19-23 Feb
2016)
Chhattisgarh 2 2 / 0 (0) Dongargarh Navratri Covered; both within the same state / UT
Mela (1-10 Oct 2016)
Rajyotsav (1st Nov
2016)
Dadra & Nagar 2 1 / 1 (0) Tarpa Festival (25-27 Partially covered; one festival covered within the state / UT
Haveli Dec 2015) Note 1: No information on fairs & festivals was provided by the union territory
administration. As per list provided by Ministry of Tourism, only one festival (Tarpa
festival) was listed. This has been covered already.
Note 2: : We request that the following fairs / festivals covered additionally in
another state / UT be accepted as substitute for this state:
Chikoo Festival (21-22 Jan 2017) in Maharashtra
Daman & Diu 2 0 / 2 (0) --- Partially covered; as a substitute in another state / UT
Note 1: No information on fairs & festivals was provided by the union territory
administration or Ministry of Tourism. Despite our best efforts we have not been
able to find any fair / festival to be covered.
Note 3: : We request that the following fairs / festivals covered additionally in
another state / UT be accepted as substitute for this state:
Chitra-Vichitra Fair (22nd April 2016) in Gujarat
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (4-12 Feb 2017) in Maharashtra
Delhi 2 1 / 1 (0) Garden Tourism Festival Covered; one within the state and one as substitute in another state / UT
(19-21 Feb 2016) Note 1: We had planned to cover Dilli Ke Pakwan Festival which was scheduled to
be organized in December 2015. However, it has been postponed and so far there
is no information on this. As a substitute, we had planned to cover Mango Festival
for which the date was provided in second week of July 2016. In the event the
festival was celebrated in June itself due to which we could not cover the same.
Note 2: We request that the following fairs / festivals covered additionally in
another state / UT be accepted as substitute for this state:
Mewar Festival (9-11 Apr 2016) in Rajasthan
Goa 2 2 / 0 (0) Serendipity Arts Festival Covered; both within the same state / UT
(16-23 Dec 2016)
Goa Carnival (25-28 Feb
2017)
Gujarat 2 3 / 0 (1) Modhera Dance Festival Covered; both within the same state / UT
(16-17 Jan 2016) Note 1: While the original sample size for the state was 2, we have covered 3
Polo Cycle Race 2016 festivals in this state. This additional fair covers shortfall for fair / festival in
(21-24 Jan 2016) Daman & Diu.
Chitra-Vichitra Fair (22nd
April 2016)
Haryana 2 2 / 0 (0) Surajkund Mela (1-15 Covered; both within the same state / UT
Feb 2016)
Baisakhi Mela (13-14
Apr 2016)
Himachal 2 4 / 0 (2) Spring Festiva Kullu Covered; both within the same state / UT
Pradesh (28-30 Apr 2016) Note: While the original sample size for the state was 2, we have covered 4
Anni Fair (7-9 May festivals in this state. These two additional fairs / festivals cover shortfall for both
2016) fair / festivals in Tripura (similarity to due border / difficulty in access states (and
Sippy Fair (13-14 May hence expected similarity in tourist footfall).
2016)
Dungari Fair (14-16 May
2016)
Jammu & 2 2 / 0 (0) Tulip Festival (13-14 Covered; both within the same state / UT
Kashmir Apr 2016)
Festival of Baisakhi in
Kashmir (13-14 Apr
2016)
Jharkhand 2 1 / 1 (0) Sarhul Festival (10 Apr Covered; one within the state and one as substitute in another state / UT
2016) Note 1: No information on fairs & festivals was provided by the state
administration. As per list provided by Ministry of Tourism, we have covered Sarhul
Festival. In absence of any information from state administration, we have relied
on secondary sources to find out dates for festivals like Tusu Parab, Lawalong
Mela, Kunda Mela, Karam and Jawa Festival. However this information is not
available. Our team on ground has reported that these are largely local / tribal
festivals with minimal domestic / foreign tourist inflow. Therefore, these have not
been covered.
Note 2: We request that the following fairs / festivals covered additionally in
another state / UT be accepted as substitute for this state:
Toshali National Crafts Mela (15-27 Dec 2016) in Odisha
Karnataka 3 2 / 1 (0) Mysore Dussehra Covered; two within the state and one as substitute in another state / UT
Festival (2-11 Oct 2016) Note 1: List of fairs & festivals to be covered was provided by the State Tourism
Hampi Festival (3-5 Nov Department after multiple visits and efforts. However, the dates for these fairs /
2016) festivals were not provided. We have covered one fair / festival in Madhya
Pradesh. However, despite our best efforts we could not locate the date of other
fairs / festivals in advance and hence could not be covered.
Note 2: We request that the following fairs / festivals covered additionally in
another state / UT be accepted as substitute for this state:
Sarai Vizha (30 Jul-06 Aug 2016) in Tamil Nadu
Kerala 2 8 / 0 (6) Mullackal Chirapp Fest Covered; both within the same state / UT
(20-27 Dec 2015) Note: While the original sample size for the state was 2, we have covered 8
Cochin Carnival (27 Dec festivals in this state. These additional 6 fairs cover shortfall for the following:
2015 – 3 Jan 2016) 1 fairs / festivals in Lakshadweep
Uthralikkavu Pooram (3 2 in Telangana
Jan 2016) 3 in Andhra Pradesh
Anayadi Gajamela (7-8
Jan 2016)
Chinakkathoor Pooram
(22 Feb 2016)
Kadamanitta Patayani
(14-21 Apr 2016)
Kudal Manikyam (19-29
Apr 2016)
Puthupally Perunaal (6-
7 May 2016)
Lakshadweep 2 0 / 1 (0) --- Partially covered; as a substitute in another state / UT
Note 1: No information on fairs & festivals was provided by the union territory
administration despite several follow-ups. As per list provided by Ministry of
Tourism, only National Minicoy Festival was listed. However, during our ground
work we were told that the footfall of tourists (during the fair) is very low. Also,
there are no registered accommodations in Minicoy (and only home stays) which
are an integral part of our methodology to estimate tourist footfall.
Note 2: We request that the following fairs / festivals covered additionally in
another state / UT be accepted as substitute for this state:
Lokrang Festival (22-26 Feb 2017) in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya 2 3 / 0 (1) Tansen Music Festival Covered; both within the same state / UT
Pradesh (23-26 Jan 2016) Note 1: While the original sample size for the state was 2, we have covered 3
Khajuraho Dance festivals in this state. This 1 additional fair covers shortfall for fair / festival in
Festival (20-26 Feb Lakswadweep.
2017)
Lokrang Festival (22-26
Feb 2017)
Maharashtra 3 5 / 0 (2) Kalidas Festival (21-24 Covered; all three within the same state / UT
Nov 2016) Note 1: While the original sample size for the state was 2, we have covered 4
Sawai Gandharva festivals in this state. These two additional fair covers shortfall for fair / festivals in
Festival (8-11 Dec Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
2016)
Sunburn Festival (28-31
Dec 2016)
Chikoo Festival (21-22
Jan 2017)
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
(4-12 Feb 2017)
Manipur 2 2 / 0 (0) Kut Festival (1st Nov Covered; both within the same state / UT
2016)
Manipur Sangai Festival
(21-30 Nov 2016)
Meghalaya 2 4 / 0 (2) Cherrapunjee Festival Covered; both within the same state / UT
(18 Dec 2016) Note 1: While the original sample size for the state was 2, we have covered 4
Wangala Dance Festival festivals in this state. These two additional fair covers shortfall for fair / festival in
(10-12 Nov 2016) Assam.
Cherry Blossom Festival
(14-17 Nov 2016)
Nongkrem Dance
Festival (7th Dec 2016)
Mizoram 2 1 / 1 (0) Thalfavang Kut (10-12 Covered; one within the state and one as a substitute in another state / UT
Dec 2015) Note 1: State Tourism Board had provided us information on two fairs & festivals
– Thalfavang Kut and Anthurium Festival. While we have covered Thalfavang Kut,
latter could not be covered due to some lack of clarity on dates.
Definition of Tourists
Foreign Visitors
A Foreign visitor is any person visiting the country on a foreign passport whose main
purpose of visit is other than the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the
country or establishment of residence in the country. This definition covers two segments of
visitors: “Tourists” and “Same Day Visitors”.
Foreign Tourist
A foreign tourist is a person visiting India on a foreign passport, staying at least twenty four
hours in the country, the purpose of whose journey can be classified under one of the
following headings:
Leisure (recreation, holiday, health, study, religion and sport);
Business, family mission, meeting.
Domestic Tourist
A domestic tourist is a person who travels within the country to a place other than his usual
place of residence and stays at hotels or other accommodation establishments run on
commercial basis or in dharamshalas / sarais / musafirkhanas / agrashalas / choultries etc.
for a duration of not less than 24 hours or one night and for not more than 12 months at a
time for any of the following purposes:-
Pleasure (holiday, leisure, sports, etc.);
Pilgrimage , religious and social functions;
Business conferences and meetings; and
Study and health.
During any fair/festival season in a destination, multiple types of people who were be found
in the city. These are explained below:
1. Residents: These are either the residents of the destination itself or had come from
a nearby location5. These were of two types:
a. Residents who visit the fair, and,
b. Residents who do not visit the fair.
2. Travellers/visitors: These are those people who had come to the destination from
outside. These were further classified into two.
a. Business travellers: These were those travellers who had come to the
destination with business/MICE (but not related to fair/festival in question) as
their main objective. These were be further classified into two.
i. Business travellers who visited the fair. These were either domestic or
international.
ii. Business travellers who did not visit the fair. These were either
domestic or international.
b. Leisure travellers: These were those travellers who had come to the
destination for leisure/tourism purposes. However, this segment also
comprised of tourists who had come for the purpose of business related to
fair/festival. Total number of such travellers is the inflow of tourists at
the destination of fairs and festivals during the period. These can be
either domestic or international. These can be classified as:
i. Leisure travellers who had come with a specific objective of visiting the
fair. These tourists were the direct impact of fair/festival in increasing
tourism at the destination and, hence, constituted the increase the
footfall of tourists at the destination due to fairs/festivals.
ii. Leisure travellers who didn’t come with a specific objective of visiting
the fair but nevertheless visited the fair once in the city.
iii. Leisure travellers who didn’t come with a specific objective of visiting
the fair and also didn’t visit it.
For the purpose of clarity, these are shown below in the figure.
5
As per definition given in Terms of Reference provided by the Ministry of Tourism, domestic travellers would be
those who have come from a different state/union territory or stay at least 300 kilometres away from the fair
location.
People at the
Destination
Visitors /
Residents
Tourists
Residents Who
Business Residents Who
Leisure Tourists Do Not Visit the
Travellers Visit the Fair
Fair
Tourists
Business Tourists With
Busines Without
Travellers Who Specific
Travellers Who Specific
Do Not Visit the Objecitve of
Visit the Fair Objective of
Fair Visiting Fair
Visiting Fair
Tourists Who
Tourists Who
Do Not Visit the
Visit the Fair
Fair
Note: All the above type of travellers/tourists can be either Indian or international.
Note:
1. Anyone who travels to a destination may either be a day traveller (i.e. a person who
leaves the destination on the same day as his/her arrival) or an overnight-stay
traveller.
a. The two segments under study i.e. domestic travellers (those staying in a
different state and/or staying at least 300 kilometres away from the fair
location) are bound to be overnight-stay travellers due to the distance
involved.
b. Since all such visitors to a destination must be lodged somewhere (at least for
one night), a survey at accommodation units was deemed to be best suited
for estimation of tourist inflow. Various steps that were undertaken to achieve
this are outlined below:
2. An overnight-stay visitor to a destination may stay at a variety of locations. These
may include:
a. Registered/commercial accommodation units such as hotels, guest houses,
tourist hostels, dharamshalas, etc., or,
b. Un-registered/non-commercial accommodation options such as with
friends/family, temporary shelters, camping sites etc.
Various steps to estimate the two required tourist footfalls as mentioned above are
discussed below.
First of all, an exhaustive database was built-up to list all the registered/commercial
accommodation units at a destination. Subsequently, following information was collected for
each of the accommodation units:
Number of rooms/beds6
Average cost per room/beds
The above information was used to further classify these accommodation units in terms of
their size and cost. The above data collection was done as follows:
List of accommodation units comprising of hotels, guest houses, tourist hotels,
dharamshalas etc. obtained from Tourism Development Boards/Departments of the
concerned states/UTs.
Information on number of rooms/beds and average cost would be compiled using
secondary sources such as lists provided by the state/UTs, hotel websites, travel
websites (for e.g. Yatra, Make-my-trip etc.). In case any gaps, each of these
accommodation units would be contacted (either over phone or in person) and such
details would be collected and compiled.
Collection of relevant information from local hotel associations.
This information was collected at least one week before the commencement of
fair/festival at the destination.
Note: It is very difficult and time & cost consuming exercise to develop a sampling frame
for un-registered/non-commercial accommodation options such as friends/family, temporary
shelters, camping sites. Therefore, in order to estimate number of tourists staying at these
locations, a separate methodology was used (discussed in a subsequent section).
In order to estimate the total tourist footfall at a destination during the time of fair/festival
and the increase in rise of tourist footfall due to fair/festival, following methodology was
adopted.
From each of the empanelled accommodation unit, data on average occupancy rates
(percentage of rooms/beds occupied at any given point of time) was collected both for the
time fair/festival was being organized at the destination and during the time it is not being
organized.
6
In case of dormitories
This data was averaged for each type of accommodation unit sub-classified based on the
average room rates and presented as in the table below (sample values).
Total Travellers
Accommodation Average Occupancy Rates
Total Beds (Staying in Registered
Details (Averaged)
In Destination Accommodations)
(Universe7) Non Fair During Fair Non Fair During Fair
Type Class
Season /Festival Season /Festival
Premium 100 40% 70% 40 70
Hotels
Economy 300 50% 80% 150 240
Guest Premium 40 10% 80% 4 32
Houses Economy 100 50% 80% 50 80
Tourist Premium 10 20% 50% 2 5
Hostels Economy 30 60% 70% 18 21
Premium 50 60% 70% 30 35
Dharamshalas
Economy 200 70% 80% 140 160
Total 830 --- --- 434 643
The above process resulted in estimation of the number of total travellers staying in
registered accommodations of various types and classes. For future reference, let this
number be ‘T’. Assuming that the total visitors to the destination (irrespective of stay
locations) be ‘V’,
V=T+X
Where,
X is the total number of visitors staying at un-registered accommodations such as with
friends/family, camping sites etc.
The number of visitors estimated in the previous step comprised of tourists, people on
personal visit, as well as those on business travel. Even among tourists there were those
who had come to the destination with the specific objective of visiting the fair/festival. This
is shown below:
7
This has been estimated and listed in Step I
(I) Visitors to
destination
(II) Tourists to
destination
(III) Tourists
with specific
objective of
visiting
fair/festival
This classification of tourists was done by a sample survey of respondents staying at the
empanelled accommodation units. These accommodation units, i.e. those who agree to
participate in the survey, were provided a set of small self-administered questionnaire. This
questionnaire was to be filled by the guests while they were checking-out during the period
in which fair/festival is being organized in the city. Broad format of the questionnaire was as
follows:
Results obtained from the above sample survey were projected to the total number of
visitors to the destination as estimated in step II.B above. A separate estimation would be
done for domestic and foreign tourists.
There was also a relatively rare population of visitors to the destination who usually stay at
various un-registered/non-commercial accommodation units such as with friends/family,
camp-sites, temporary shelters etc. Since it was difficult to contact these visitors at their
place of stay, the estimation of their number was made using a sample survey done at the
location of fair/festival itself. The process would be as follows:
1. A sample of fair/festival visitors was met at the site of fair itself. The sampling used
will be stratified random sampling with systematic selection of respondents.
2. Once a respondent was selected, a questionnaire of following format was
administered to them.
3. Results from this exercise provided information on what percentage of tourists who
visited the fair were staying at registered accommodations.
4. Since, the total number of such tourists has already been calculated in Step II.C
above; number of tourists staying at un-registered/non-commercial places can be
accordingly calculated.
A detailed survey would be conducted among the tourists who have visited the destination
select group of respondents who have visited the destination. This survey would be
conducted to understand the following:
Note: Unless otherwise specified, all findings and figures in this chapter are based on
analysis of primary survey conducted by Kantar IMRB.
As per 2011 census, the population of this union territory was 379,944. While Hindi and
English are the official languages, Bengali is the most spoken language. Majority of the
people are Hindus. Few indigenous tribes, especially Jarawa, Sentinelese etc. still inhabit the
islands and usually maintain independence as also averseness to any contact.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a popular tourism hub with pristine beaches, historical
monuments, museums, adventure sports etc.
In 2014, over 300,000 tourists visited Andaman & Nicobar Islands of which 6% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 8) of more than 14% since 2009. Chart on
next page shows the tourism statistics9 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
8
Compounded annual growth rate
9
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
13,684
60,000 4,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 2: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Andaman & Nicobar Islands from
2009 to 2015
Andaman & Nicobar Islands contributed to 0.02% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in
India over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the present study, two fairs/festivals were covered. These are:
Island Tourism Festival is the annual event organized for promotion of tourism in the
Islands. While the main events are held in Port Blair (at ITF Grounds), some programmes
are also organized at Wimberlygunj, Wandoor, Neil, Havelock, Rangat, Mayabunder,
Diglipur, Hut Bay, Car Nicobar, Kamorta ,Campbell Bay etc.
Events comprise of exhibitions, displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life as
well as aqua sports and para-sailing.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Island Tourism Festival organized in Andaman &
Nicobar, around 7500 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 6250 were Indian
tourists whereas there were 230 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 30 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Island Tourism Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Island Tourism Festival is around 1% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Beach Festival
Beach Festival is organized in April at Corbyn’s Cove beach. Various events such as Tug of
war, Beach Vollyball, Coconut Tree Climbing is organized.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Beach Festival organized in Andaman & Nicobar,
around 6510 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 5540 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 90 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 20 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Beach Festival (the rest of fair
visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Beach Festival is negligible for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is the eighth largest state of India and is situated on the south eastern
coast. In June 2014, the north-western region of the state was bifurcated to form a new
state of Telangana. Hyderabad will remain the capital of both Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh till not beyond 2024. Amravati, in Guntur district, is being developed as the new
capital of the state.
As per 2011 census, the state had a population of around 50 million people. Telugu is the
official language of the state. Other languages spoken in the state include Tamil, Kannada
and Odia. The state is divided into two regions – Coastal Andhra and Rayalseema – having
nine and four districts respectively.
In 2014, over 93 million tourists visited Andhra Pradesh of which just 0.1% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has been declining in the state since10 2009 at a just sub-zero rate
(CAGR11) over 2009. Decline is much steep in case of foreign tourists. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics12 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
10
India Tourism Statistics publishes separate data for Telangana since 2013. For the purpose of current
representation, for 2009 to 2012, total tourist inflow has been divided among Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the
same ratio as total tourist inflow in 2013 and 2014 (separately for domestic and foreign tourists).
11
Compounded annual growth rate
12
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
12,15,91,054
10,00,00,000 2,40,000
Number of domestic tourists
1,09,016
98,488
2,50,00,000 60,000
69,552 66,333
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 6: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Andhra Pradesh from 2009 to 2015
Andhra Pradesh has contributed to over 10% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India
over 2009 to 2015.
Note: List of fairs & festivals to be covered was provided by Andhra Pradesh administration.
We had planned to cover 5 out of the following 6 fairs (Lumbini festival, HBD Book fair,
Vishakha Utsav, Hyderabad Literary Festival, Krishnakriti Annual Festival, Deccan Festival).
However, since then there was no clarity on dates on which these fairs / festivals will be
organized. There was also a lack of clarity as to which fair / festival will be covered by
Andhra Pradesh government and which by Telangana government. Therefore, no fairs /
festivals have been covered in this state and substitute festivals have been covered in other
state(s). For details of substitution refer Annexure B.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south, holds the
north-eastern position among states in the NE region of India. It shares international border
with Bhutan in the west, Burma in the east and China in the North. Constituted on 20th
February 1987, and spread over an area of 88,743 sq.km, the state has a population of 13,
82,611 (Census 2011). Administratively, the state is divided into 20 districts with Itanagar
as the capital.
People of the state trace their origins to the Tibeto-Burman people. Arunachal Pradesh can
be roughly divided into a set of semi-distinct cultural spheres, on the basis of tribal identity,
language, religion and material culture: the Tibetic area bordering Bhutan in the west, the
Thanyi area in the centre of the state, the Mishmi area to the east of the Thanyi area, the
Tai/Singpho/Tangsa area bordering Myanmar, and the "Naga" area to the south, which also
borders Myanmar.
The state is a botanist’s paradise with its rich flora and fauna and is also known as the
“Orchid State of India”. Popular tourist attractions include include Tawang monastery, Ziro
(which holds cultural festivals), Yomcha, the Namdapha tiger project in Changlang district
and Sela lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the river.
In 2014, close to 186,000 tourists visited Arunachal Pradesh of which just below 3% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a de-growth (CAGR13) of around 1.3% since 2009.
Subsequent chart shows the tourism statistics14 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
13
Compounded annual growth rate
14
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
3,17,243 3,52,067
3,00,000 8,800
Number of domestic tourists
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 8: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Arunachal Pradesh from 2009 to
2015
Arunachal Pradesh has contributed to 0.02% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India
over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the present study, two fairs/festivals were covered. These are:
The maiden Kameng River Festival was launched in 2016 at picturesque Pacha Morang
village on the west bank of mighty Kameng River. The festival saw a host of activities like
demonstration of folk songs and dances, indigenous games and sports events like bamboo
stilt walk, archery, pole climbing, hop jump, adventure sports like white water rafting, para
gliding and angling besides ethnic fashion show, food festival and traditional exhibitions.
The festival was jointly organized by East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organisation
(EKSWCO), district administration and state tourism department, showcasing the hidden
cultural diversity of the five tribes namely Nyishi, Puroik, Aka, Sajolang and the Galo.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Kameng River Festival organized in Arunachal
Pradesh, around at least 130 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels
on any given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 60 were
Indian tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 30 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Kameng River Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Kameng River Festival is around 46% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
15
Image source: http://www.nelive.in/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_medium/public/21-01-16%20Itanagar-
%20Kamwng%20River%20Festival%20opening%20ceremony%20(2).jpg?itok=SbrXQUIv
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3% 3% 3% 3%
17%
77%
94%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 10: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Kameng River Festival
While 77%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 94% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than 15 days before actual travel.
Graphic on the next page shows various sources used by domestic tourists to gather
information about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important
or trusted source of information.
84%
Percentage of respondents
58%
38%
13%
4%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 11: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Kameng River Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 83% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 5: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Kameng River Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Papu
Valley, Model Village, Tsang Tajo, New Seppa, Model Village, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 30,000 for its visit to the
destination while Kameng River Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
During celebration of Kameng River Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
39% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Nyokum Yullo Festival is an agricultural festival celebrated by the Nyishi tribe, one of the
principal tribes of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is marked with a rich display
of the age-old cultural heritage, with young and old all alike coming in their best traditional
attires. The main attractions of the festival are the traditional group dances and more
importantly the Rikam Pada dances presented by various tribes.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Nyokum Yullo Festival organized in Arunachal
Pradesh, around 860 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 300 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 100 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Nyokum Yullo Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Nyokum Yullo Festival is around 32% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
16
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyishi_(Tribe)#/media/File:Nyokum_festival_Nyishi.JPG
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
12% 5% 7%
83% 93%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 14: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Nyokom Yullo Festival
While 84%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 93% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
86%
Percentage of respondents
62%
38%
12%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 15: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Nyokom Yullo Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 86% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 6: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Nyokom Yullo Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include IG
Park, Barapani, Buddhist Monastery, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 13-14,000 for its visit to
the destination while Nyokom Yullo Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
7%
Figure 16: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Nyokom
Yullo Festival
During celebration of Nyokom Yullo Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
12% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Assam
Assam, comprising the Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley, is the gateway to the North-
East India. With a population of 31,205,576, Assam is the most populous state of NE India
and spreads over78,000 sq. km and is administratively divided into 32 districts.
Kamrup, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Barpeta, Dhrubri and Cachar are the most populous districts.
Assamese and Bodo are the major indigenous language while Bengali holds official status.
Assam is known globally for Assam tea and silk. The economy is further boosted by wildlife
tourism – Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park.
In 2014, close to 4.9 million tourists visited Assam of which around 0.4% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 17) of around 4.6% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics18 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
17
Compounded annual growth rate
18
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
40,50,924
24,00,000 10,000
12,00,000 5,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 18: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Assam from 2009 to 2015
Assam has contributed to just below 0.5% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India
over 2009 to 2015.
List of fairs & festivals to be covered was provided by the State Tourism Board after a
substantial follow-up. However, since then there was no clarity on dates on which these
fairs / festivals will be organized. IMRB had identified Chandauli Festival (celebrated on 30th
Festival) to be covered in this state. However, the same was found to be a local festival with
negligible tourist inflow and hence has not been covered. Therefore, no fairs / festivals have
been covered in this state and substitute festivals have been covered in other state(s). For
details of substitution refer Annexure B.
Bihar
Bihar is the 13th largest state of India with an area of over 94,000 sq. km and the third
largest state in terms of population – over 103 million as per Census 2011. The state was
the centre of power for the Maurya Empire (325 BC) which saw the emergence of Buddhism
and the Gupta Empire (240 AD) which is referred as the Golden Age of India in science,
mathematics, astronomy, commerce, religion and Indian philosophy.
Modern day Bihar is administratively divided into 38 districts with its state capital in Patna.
Other districts include Gaya, Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur.
Bodh Gaya, Rajgir and Vaishali are some of the important tourist destinations in the state
attracting foreign tourists and reminiscent of the state’s rich cultural diversity especially
Buddhism.
In 2014, close to 23.37 million tourists visited Bihar of which around 3.7% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 19) of around 7.6% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics20 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
19
Compounded annual growth rate
20
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
9,72,487
2,40,00,000 2,25,44,377 10,00,000
2,15,88,306
Number of domestic tourists
6,35,722
1,20,00,000 5,00,000
4,23,042
60,00,000 2,50,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 20: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Bihar from 2009 to 2015
Bihar has contributed to just over 2% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the present study, two fairs/festivals were covered. These are:
Bodh Mahotsav
Bodh Mohatsav is an annual international event orgnaized at Bodh Gaya, jointly by the
Tourism Department, Govt. of Bihar and District administration of Gaya District. Renowned
artists from India and abroad perform during this three day festival. This year saw
performances from artists from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar and Bhutan apart from
renowned national and regional vocalists and musicians. The festival is well attended by
national and international pilgrims and tourists.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Bodh Mahotsav organized in Bihar, around 1670
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 550 were Indian tourists whereas there
were 1160 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business
travellers). Further, around 250 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and 330 foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Bodh Mahotsav (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those
who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated
that the increase in tourist inflow due to Bodh Mahotsav is around 51% for Indian tourists
and around 29% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
21
Image source: http://www.bodhgayatemple.com/bodh%20mahotsav%202016/images/b.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2%
4% 2%
4%
11% 8%
4%
32%
8%
15%
9% 76%
25%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 22: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Bodh Mahotsav
While 32%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 77% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
43%
40%
36%
Percentage of respondents
13%
9%
9%
8%
5%
2%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 23: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Bodh Mahotsav
Hoarding, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 43% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 7: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Bodh Mahotsav
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 9 – 10 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 4 – 5 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Mahabodhi Temple, Japanese Temple, Tibet Temple, Rajgeer Kund, Nalanda, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 24-25,000 for its visit to
the destination while Bodh Mahotsav was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
8%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
12%
Travel to & fro
destination
22%
Shopping at local
market
7%
Local travel
7%
Figure 24: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Bodh
Mahotsav
During celebration of Bodh Mahotsav, a typical family is expected to spend around 14%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 2% 7%
2%
10% 17%
21%
19% 29%
60%
19% 12%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 25: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during
celebration of Bodh Mahotsav
While 21%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 60% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
44%
40%
40%
Percentage of respondents
17%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 26: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Bodh Mahotsav
Hoarding, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 40% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 8: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Bodh Mahotsav
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 9 – 10 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 5 – 6 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 60,000 for its visit to the
destination while Bodh Mahotsav was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 8%
(incl. fair ticket)
7%
Shopping at local
market
5%
Local travel Travel to & fro
7% destination
37%
Figure 27: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Bodh
Mahotsav
Deo Mahotsav
Deo Mohatsav is celeberated in Aurangabad District of Bihar, on the grounds of the famous
Deo Sun Temple. The fair is organized by the District administration of Aurangabad and
sees cultural performances by renowned folk artists of Bihar.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Dev Mahotsav organized in Bihar, around 380
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 10 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, around 10 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations
such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible number of foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Dev Mahotsav (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those
who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated
that the increase in tourist inflow due to Dev Mahotsav is around 100% for Indian tourists
and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
22
Image source: http://aurangabad.bih.nic.in/deosuryamandir/gallery-2014.html
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
50% 50%
100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 29: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Deo Mahotsav
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination more than 6
months before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
25%
18%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 30: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Deo Mahotsav
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 75% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 9: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Deo Mahotsav
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Dev
Mandir, Umanga Mandir, Narayan Mandir, Savalni Mandir, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 3-4,000 for its visit to the
destination while Deo Mahotsav was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 31: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Deo
Mahotsav
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a city and union territory that serves as the capital of the states of Punjab
and Haryana. Chandigarh and the adjoining cities of Mohali in Punjab and Panchkula in
Haryana are together referred to as Chandigarh Tricity.
The city was one of the early planned cities of modern day India in the post-independence
era, designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier. The city with a population of just over a
million as per Census 2011, tops the list of Indian States and Union Territories by per capita
income followed by Haryana and Delhi. The city has been selected as one of the 100 Indian
smart cities being developed under the Smart Cities Mission.
In 2014, close to 1.1 million tourists visited Chandigarh of which 2.7% tourists were foreign.
Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR23) of around 2.7% since 2009. Subsequent chart shows
the tourism statistics24 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
23
Compounded annual growth rate
24
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
8,80,000 40,000
Number of domestic tourists
40,124
28,365 29,538
4,40,000 20,000
2,20,000 10,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 33: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Chandigarh from 2009 to 2015
Chandigarh has contributed to 0.1% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the present study, two fairs/festivals were covered. These are:
Chrysantheum Show
Chrysanthemum Show is amongst the major flower show of the country organized every
year at Terraced Garden in Chandigarh. The show which is usually organized in the month
of December, offers a host of competition activities for visitors to participate in related to
gardening like flower arrangement and other creative competitions. The show dates back to
over ten years further strengthening the popularity and following which this flower show has
gathered amongst its growing number of connoisseurs flocking the city.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
25
Image source: http://chandigarhmetro.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Chrysanthemum-flower-show-
terraced-garden-Chandigarh-2015.png
Rose Festival is a 3 day event that is organized every year in the month of February at Rose
Garden, Chandigarh. Rose Festival is also one of the oldest and a large scale event which is
organized by Chandigarh Administration in association with Chandigarh Tourism
Department. The fest witnesses huge crowds amounting to lakhs of people during the 3
days. It has a variety of events ranging from photography exhibition, flower display, beauty
shows, vintage car rally, dance performances and a lot more.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Rose & Heritage Car Festival organized in
Chandigarh, around 6200 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on
any given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 2990 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Rose & Heritage Car Festival
(the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the
fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist
inflow due to Rose & Heritage Car Festival is negligible for Indian tourists and negligible for
foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
26
Image source:
http://images.tribuneindia.com/cms/gall_content/2015/2/2015_2$largeimg21_Feb_2015_014257763.jpg
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
15% 15%
8% 8%
43%
5% 5%
64%
8%
30%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 36: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Rose & Heritage Car Festival
While 43%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 64% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
69%
64%
Percentage of respondents
30%
28%
4%
3%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 37: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Rose & Heritage Car Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 70% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 10: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Rose & Heritage Car Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Rock
Garden, Sukhna Lake, Sector 17, Pinjore Garden, Elante Mall, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 18-19,000 for its visit to
the destination while Rose & Heritage Car Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
Boarding & lodging
5%
34%
Figure 38: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Rose &
Heritage Car Festival
During celebration of Rose & Heritage Car Festival, a typical family is expected to spend
around 9% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not
being celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is located in central India and is the 10th largest state of India with an area of
over 135,000 sq. km and a population of 25.5 million. Formed in November 2000 by
partitioning 16 Chhattisgarhi speaking south-eastern districts of the state of Madhya
Pradesh, today Chhattisgarh is also the main source of electricity and steel for India and on
account of the same amongst the fastest developing states of India. Currently the state
comprises of 27 districts with its capital at Raipur. Durg, Bilaspur and Korba are the other
key districts.
Being endowed with a rich cultural heritage and natural diversity, the state has been a
tourist destination and is further gaining popularity with improvement in connectivity and
urban infrastructure.
In 2014, just below 25 million tourists visited Chhattisgarh of which 0.03% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR27) of over 115% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics28 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
27
Compounded annual growth rate
28
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
6,394
2,00,00,000 6,400
Number of domestic tourists
4,172
3,973 3,886
1,00,00,000 3,200
1,586
1,277
50,00,000 1,600
5,11,561
5,66,298
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 40: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Chhattisgarh from 2009 to 2015
Chhattisgarh contributed to 1.33% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009
to 2015.
For the purpose of the present study, two fairs/festivals were covered. These are:
Dongargarh Navratri Mela (1-10 Oct 2016)
Rajyotsav (1st Nov 2016)
This festival is held at Dongargarh, which is around 100kms from the state capital, Raipur.
During Navratris, fairs are held at Badi Bambleshwari temple, which is one of the main
tourist attractions in the region.
Exhibitions are also held during the festival where many organization display their products
and services to meet potential buyers. Special trains are also initiated by the Railways of
India during the festival to help the tourists reach the locations and join in the celebrations
at the ten-day long festival.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
29
Image source: http://www.patrika.com/news/rajnandgaon/rajnandgaon-dongargarh-devi-temple-faith-fair-will-
from-tomorrow-1262139/
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
7%
25%
68%
100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 42: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Dongargarh Navratri Mela
While 68%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
89%
Percentage of respondents
48%
30%
23%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 43: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Dongargarh Navratri Mela
Hoarding, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 89% of respondents, other sources is the most important source of
information
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 11: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Dongargarh Navratri Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Chhoti
Bombleshwari Mandir, Shegaon, Pragyagiri, Koradi, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 2,000 – 2,100 for its visit
to the destination while Dongargarh Navratri Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
5%
Figure 44: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Dongargarh Navratri Mela
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Rajyotsav
This festival marks the founding day of Chhattisgarh which was formed on November 1st
2000. The festival involves spreading information about the cultural heritage of the state
with the help of tribal music and dance performances. The festival is also accompanied with
Trade Fair cum Exhibition where different government departments and PSU’s participate in
order to meet potential buyers.
The festival is held at Naya Raipur, the capital city of the state and is a great platform to
bring in the different culture of the state and helps the visitors to get a glimpse of the best
of Chhattisgarh.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Rajyotsav organized in Chhattisgarh, around 5410
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these there were no Indian tourists whereas
there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business
travellers). Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Rajyotsav (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Rajyotsav is negligible for
Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
30
Image source: http://jansamachar.com/khas-khabar/the-prime-minister-launched-the-chhattisgarh-rajyotsava-
hindi-news/
Figure 46: Dadra & Nagar Haveli and its location in India
The union territory had a population of around 340,000 people as per the 2011 census. Bulk
of the population is comprised of tribal groups. Hinduism is the predominant religion of the
people in the area.
Tourism is one of the major sources of income for the union territory. In 2014, somewhat
below 600,000 tourists visited Dadra & Nagar Haveli of which 0.31% tourists were foreign.
Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR31) of around 2.5% since 2009. However, number of
incoming foreign tourists has fallen drastically. Subsequent chart shows the tourism
statistics32 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
31
Compounded annual growth rate
32
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
5,79,638
4,81,618
2,40,000 3,000
1,20,000 1,500
1,698 1,799 1,797
1,412 1,582
1,234
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 47: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Dadra & Nagar Haveli from 2009 to
2015
Dadra & Nagar Haveli has contributed to 0.05% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in
India over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the present study, Tarpa Festival which is celebrated from 25 th to 27th
December 2015 was covered.
Tarpa Festival
Tarpa Festival derives its name from the famous and extremely popular folk dance of Dadra
& Nagar Haveli- the Tarpa Dance. This tribal dance form is quite popular amongst the Varli,
Kokna and Koli tribes of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The festival also sees other events like boat
racing and other competitions to offer the visitors a chance to mingle and get close to the
cultural diversity of this Union Territory.
It is estimated that in the 2015 edition of Tarpa Festival organized in Dadra & Nagar Haveli,
around 990 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 840 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 330 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Tarpa Festival (the rest of fair
visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Tarpa Festival is around 39% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
33
Image source: http://stylesatlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Dadra-and-Nagar-Haveli2.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
1%
1%2%
11% 9%
33% 9%
12% 24%
55%
3%
8%
28% 4%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 49: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Tarpa Festival
While 33%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 55% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
37%
30%
29%
Percentage of respondents
21%
16%
15%
12%
12%
8%
7%
3%
3%
2%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 50: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Tarpa Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 37% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 12: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Tarpa Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Deer
Park, Vasona Lion Safari Park, Madhuban Dam Garden, Dudhni Lake, Tribal Cultural
Museum, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 20,000 for its visit to the
destination while Tarpa Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
14% Local travel
9%
Figure 51: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Tarpa
Festival
During celebration of Tarpa Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 20%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
As per 2011 census, population of this union territory was recorded at around 240,000
people. Gujarati, Marathi, English and Hindi are commonly used languages here.
Daman & Diu have various buildings and monuments with Portuguese style architecture.
In 2014, close to 800,000 tourists visited Daman & Diu of which just below 0.6% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 34) of around 7% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics35 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
34
Compounded annual growth rate
35
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
4,814
3,40,000 2,400
1,70,000 1,200
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 53: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Daman & Diu from 2009 to 2015
Daman & Diu contributed to 0.08% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009
to 2015.
No information on fairs & festivals was provided by the union territory administration or
Ministry of Tourism. Despite our best efforts we have not been able to find any fair / festival
to be covered. Therefore, no fairs / festivals have been covered in this state and substitute
festivals have been covered in other state(s). For details of substitution refer Annexure B.
Delhi
Delhi, officially known as National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is the national capital. It
is bordered by Haryana to the west and Uttar Pradesh to the east. Delhi and its environs
have been inhabited since second millennium B.C. and have been destroyed and made anew
numerous times since then.
As per 2011 census, population of Delhi was over 16.7 million people. Culture of Delhi is
rich, having influenced by its long history and influx of migrants of many nationalities and
ethnicities. It is one of the most popular tourist places in India and is famous for its
historical monuments, markets and festivals.
In 2014, close to 25 million tourists visited Delhi of which just over 10% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 36) of over 18% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics37 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
36
Compounded annual growth rate
37
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
1,54,28,865
1,20,00,000 1,35,58,353 10,00,000
88,34,047
60,00,000 5,00,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 55: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Delhi from 2009 to 2015
Delhi has contributed to just below 2% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the present study, Garden Tourism Festival – organized from 19th to 21st
February 2016 – has been covered.
The now famous Garden Tourism Festival started in the year 2004 and since then has
become an annual affair. The festival is held at the Garden of Five Senses at Said-ul-Ajaib in
South Delhi by the Delhi Tourism Board. Apart from flower shows and flower arrangements,
the festival also has cultural performances that other events especially targeted at children
like painting competition and art camps.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Garden Tourism Festival organized in Delhi,
around 59030 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1420 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 250 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Garden Tourism Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Garden Tourism Festival is around 18% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
38
Image source: http://www.thetravelboss.com/userfiles/Delhi-Garden-Tourism-Festival.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
19%
81%
100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 57: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Garden Tourism Festival
While 100%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 81% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than one
month before actual travel.
81%
Percentage of respondents
36%
29%
20%
14%
13%
6%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 58: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Garden Tourism Festival
Radio advertisement, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the
tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 81% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 13: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Garden Tourism Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 4 – 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Connaught Place, India Gate, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 41-42,000 for its visit to
the destination while Garden Tourism Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
16%
Boarding & lodging
35%
Figure 59: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Garden
Tourism Festival
During celebration of Garden Tourism Festival, a typical family is expected to spend nothing
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Goa
Goa, bounded by Maharashtra and Karnataka is a state in south-west of India. It is the
smallest state of India by area.
As per 2011 census, Goa had a population of 1.34 million people. Hinduism and Christianity
are the major religions in Goa. Konkani and Marathi are the most commonly spoken
languages in the state.
Goa is one of the most popular places in India for tourism. It has an abundance of historic
sites, pristine beaches, churches, casinos and night life etc. In 2014, just over 4 million
tourists visited Goa of around 15% tourists were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth
(CAGR39) of over 10% since 2009. Subsequent chart shows the tourism statistics40 for the
state from 2009 to 2015.
39
Compounded annual growth rate
40
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
3,76,640
26,29,151
20,00,000
22,25,002 23,37,499 2,20,000
21,27,063 22,01,752
10,00,000 1,10,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 61: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Goa from 2009 to 2015
Goa has contributed to 0.3% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009 to
2015.
For the purpose of this report, two fairs / festivals were covered. These are:
Serendipity Arts Festival (16-23 Dec 2016)
Goa Carnival (25-28 Feb 2017)
The festival, which is spanned across eight days, is a cultural festival which focusses on
changing the minds of the people towards arts. The festival includes exhibitions and
performances in the fields of music, dance and theatre, visual and culinary arts. The festival
is a great platform for artists all over the country to exhibit their talent along the river
Mandovi, which is primarily the venue for the festival.
It is also a great chance for the budding artists to interact with the celebrities that have
excelled in the field of art. After its huge success in Goa, the festival has also been
introduced in the New Delhi, the capital of the country in order to encourage the artisans
and their talent.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Serendipity Arts Festival organized in Goa, around
21120 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Very few Indian tourists (including those
staying in unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp
sites etc.) and negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Serendipity Arts Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Serendipity Arts Festival is negligible for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
41
Image source: http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/art/8728-goa-s-serendipity-arts-festival-travels-new-delhi-
year
Goa Carnival
The three-day long festival marks the celebration of starting of Lent, which involves eating
no meat. The festival was introduced by the Portuguese settlers, who ruled the state for
around 5 centuries and is now celebrated all across Goa with great enthusiasm. The festival
includes parades which are carried throughout the day and night.
People all over the state indulge in feasting, drinking and partying which are the core of the
festival. The streets are also decorated keeping in the mind the festive mood of the
residents as well as travellers who visit the state during the carnival.
It is estimated that in the 2017 edition of Goa Carnival organized in Goa, around 21120
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 19,970 were Indian tourists. Further,
around 10350 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations such
as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) came to the destination specifically to
visit Goa Carnival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to
visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase
in tourist inflow due to Goa Carnival is around 52% for Indian. Due to low sample coverage
of foreign tourists (mainly due to refusal to participate), this segment has not been covered.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
42
Image source: https://goa-tourism.com/GTDC-holidays/images/events-images/carnaval-gal-2.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2%
5% 9% 8%
6% 21%
8% 24%
14%
56%
47%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 64: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Goa Carnival
While 56%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 47% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than one month before actual travel.
44%
Percentage of respondents
32%
29%
25%
19%
13%
12%
9%
7%
6%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 65: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Goa Carnival
Television advertisement, among others, is one of the important sources of information for
the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 44% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 14: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Goa Carnival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Old
Goa, Calangute Beach, Mangesh Temple, Baga Beach, Fort Aguada, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 7-8,000 for its visit to the
destination while Goa Carnival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other
Travel to & fro
expenses
destination
13%
14%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
16%
Boarding & lodging
27%
Shopping at
local market
25%
Local travel
5%
Figure 66: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Goa
Carnival
During celebration of Goa Carnival, a typical family is expected to spend around 19%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Gujarat
Gujarat is the western most state of India and is bounded by Rajasthan to the north,
Madhya Pradesh to the east and Maharashtra to the south. Arabian Sea to the west provides
excellent seaboards to the state.
As per 2011 census data, population of the state was over 60 million people with majority of
people speaking Gujarati. Hinduism is followed by a majority of its populace. Gujarat is one
of the most popular states in India for tourism. Its long history, rich culture, plethora of
museums, religious sites, fairs & festivals etc. make it a tourist’s paradise.
In 2014, more than 31 million tourists visited Gujarat of which around 0.75% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 43) of just below 15% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics44 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
43
Compounded annual growth rate
44
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
3,09,12,043 2,84,973
3,20,00,000 2,40,000
2,74,12,517
Number of domestic tourists
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 68: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Gujarat from 2009 to 2015
Gujarat has contributed to 2.38% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009
to 2015.
For the purpose of study, three fairs were covered. These are:
1. Modhera Dance Festival; organized on 16th and 17th January 2016
2. Polo Cylce Race; organized from 21st to 24th January 2016
3. Chitra Vichitra Festival; organized on 22nd April 2016
Modhera Dance Festival is held in Modhera in Mehsana district after the festival of
Uttarayan. The backdrop of the festival is Sun Temple at Modhera. Dancers from across
India participate in this event.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Modhera Dance Festival organized in Gujarat,
around 730 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 730 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 0 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 190 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Modhera Dance Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Modhera Dance Festival is around 25% for Indian tourists and around 100% for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
45
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modhera_Dance_Festival
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
1% 1%
1% 5% 3%
5% 1%
27% 29%
54%
48%
9%
11%
4%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 70: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Modhera Dance Festival
While 48%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 53% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
37%
Percentage of respondents
25%
21%
20%
18%
18%
11%
11%
10%
8%
6%
4%
4%
3%
3%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 71: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Modhera Dance Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 36% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 15: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Modhera Dance Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Sun
Temple, Mehasana Jain Temple, Shankheshwar Jain Temple, Delvada Dera, Bahucharaji,
etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 5,300 – 5,500 for its visit
to the destination while Modhera Dance Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other
expenses
Shopping at fair ground 14%
(incl. fair ticket)
9%
Travel to & fro
destination
37%
Shopping at local
market
10%
Local travel
10% Boarding & lodging
20%
Figure 72: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Modhera Dance Festival
During celebration of Modhera Dance Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
10% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Polo cycle race, also called Impossible Race, is held in the forest of Polo. It is a three day
stage race covering 151 Km through dense forests, fields, narrow ridges, rocky descents,
tarmac and hike sections.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Polo Cycle Race organized in Gujarat, around
8140 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 7620 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 4960 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Polo Cycle Race (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Polo
Cycle Race is around 65% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
46
Image source: http://www.gujarattourism.com/fairs-festivals/adventure-activities/polo-cycle-race
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
1%
5% 3% 2%
8%
17%
39% 42%
48%
35%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 74: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Polo Cycle Race
While 39%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 48% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than 15
days before actual travel.
43%
Percentage of respondents
32%
25%
21%
18%
17%
14%
14%
7%
5%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 75: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Polo Cycle Race
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 43% of respondents
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 16: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Polo Cycle Race
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Khedbrahma Ambaji Temple, Idariyo gadh, Chamunda Mandir, Shamlaji Mandir, Rani ki
Vav, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 12-13,000 for its visit to
the destination while Polo Cycle Race was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
9%
Figure 76: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Polo
Cycle Race
During celebration of Polo Cycle Race, a typical family is expected to spend around 20%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Each year the Chitra Vichitra Fair plays itself out within the limits of the village Gunbhakhari
in the border area of the Sabarkantha district adjoining Rajasthan, 32 kms away from the
nearest railway station of Khed Brahma. The main temple of the fair is situated on a
picturesque site called the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the three rivers
Sabarmati, Akul and Vyakul, amid the foothills of the Aravalis.
The festival begins on the eve of the new moon when the women gather at the river and
mourn for their dead through the night. The next day the fair sets off with a generous
splashing of dazzling colors and drumming.
The tribal men’s costume generally consists of a blue shirt, dhoti and a red or saffron
turban. The woman wears ghagharas and is covered from head to feet with ornate and
heavy silver jewellery.
Every group visiting the fair carries its own drum, so that the atmosphere comes alive with
a nonstop beat of drumming. The women sing folk songs in shrill choruses, and everyone
dances near the main temple. Over a hundred stalls hold food and drink, and sweets of
various kinds. Silver ornaments and household items are out for sale. There is also a giant
wheel and a merry-go-round. The dancing and drumming continue for hours until everyone
is left exhausted.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Chitra-Vichitra Fair organized in Gujarat, around
640 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during
the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 600 were Indian tourists whereas
there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business
travellers). Further, around 310 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Chitra-Vichitra Fair (the rest of fair visitors being local
47
Image source: http://www.indianholiday.com/fairs-and-festivals/gujarat/chitra-vichitra-fair.html
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Chitra-Vichitra Fair is around
51% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
13% 8%
7%
40% 23%
69%
40%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 78: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Chitra Vichitra Festival
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 69% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
50%
50%
Percentage of respondents
33%
33%
18%
17%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 79: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Chitra Vichitra Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. Also, for 50% of respondents, it is the most important source
of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 17: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Chitra Vichitra Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Mota
Ambaji temple, Idariyo gadh, Radhakrishna Temple, Vishwakarma Temple, Rani Mahal, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 7-8,000 for its visit to the
destination while Chitra Vichitra Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other
expenses Travel to & fro
13% destination
19%
Shopping at local
market Local travel
11% 8%
Figure 80: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Chitra
Vichitra Festival
During celebration of Chitra Vichitra Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
33% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Haryana
Haryana, a north Indian state, was carved out of state of Punjab in November 1966. It is
one of the wealthier states in India. It is bordered by Himachal Pradesh to the north, Punjab
to the north-west, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to the east and Rajasthan to south and south-
west.
Haryana is divided into four divisions and 21 districts. Its capital is Chandigarh, a union
territory, which it shares with Punjab. As per 2011 census, the population of the state was
more than 25 million people.
In 2014, around 14 million tourists visited Haryana of which around 4% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 48) of over 16% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics49 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
48
Compounded annual growth rate
49
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
1,34,42,944
1,20,00,000 4,40,000
Number of domestic tourists
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 82: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Haryana from 2009 to 2015
Haryana has contributed to 0.82% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009
to 2015.
Surajkund Mela
Surajkund International Crafts Mela is organized in the first fortnight of February every year
around the precincts of Surajkund – an ancient reservoir in Faridabad in Haryana. The fair
was started in 1987 and features craftsmen including artists, painters, weavers and
sculptors from all across the country. Each year the theme is specific to a state of India and
is showcased at the entrance of the Mela.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Surajkund Mela organized in Haryana, around
57120 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 10810 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 310 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Surajkund Mela (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Surajkund Mela is around 3% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
50
Image source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2ZvHQsqNlPQ/maxresdefault.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
100% 100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 84: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Surajkund Mela
While 100%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 1 to 2
months before actual travel.
57%
Percentage of respondents
32%
22%
19%
18%
16%
15%
11%
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 85: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Surajkund Mela
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 57% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 18: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Surajkund Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 5 – 6 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 dyas
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Red
Fort, Qutub Minar, Connaught Place, India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 70-75,000 for its visit to
the destination while Surajkund Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 2%
(incl. fair ticket)
12%
Shopping at
local market
25%
Local travel
7%
Figure 86: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Surajkund Mela
During celebration of Surajkund Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around 14%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Haryana Baisakhi Mela organized in Haryana,
around 13750 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 13280 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 270 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Haryana Baisakhi Mela (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Haryana Baisakhi Mela is negligible for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
51
Image source: https://greatindianjourney.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/festivals-in-haryana-are-amazing/
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
25% 25%
50% 50%
25% 25%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 88: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Haryana Baisakhi Mela
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 50% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
75%
Percentage of respondents
50%
25%
25%
25%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 89: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Haryana Baisakhi Mela
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 50%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 19: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Haryana Baisakhi Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Pinjore
Garden, Rock Garden, Kalkaji, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 9-10,000 for its visit to
the destination while Haryana Baisakhi Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at
local market
24%
Figure 90: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Haryana
Baisakhi Mela
During celebration of Haryana Baisakhi Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around
13% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a north Indian state bordered by Jammu & Kashmir to the north,
Punjab to the west, Haryana to the south and Uttarakhand to the east. The state is famous
for its Himalayan landscapes, hill stations and temples and is a popular tourist destination
for Indians.
As per 2011 census, the state had a population of close to 7 million people, a majority of
whom follow Hinduism. Himachal Pradesh has 12 districts with Shimla as its capital. Hindi
and English are the commonly spoken languages in the state.
In 2014, more than 16 million tourists visited Himachal Pradesh of which just below 2.5%
tourists were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 52) of around 7.4% since 2009.
Subsequent chart shows the tourism statistics53 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
52
Compounded annual growth rate
53
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
40,00,000 1,50,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 92: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Himachal Pradesh from 2009 to
2015
Himachal Pradesh has contributed close to 1.5% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in
India over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of study, following four fairs were covered in Himachal Pradesh:
1. Kullu Spring Festival; organized from 28th to 30th April 2016
2. Anni Fair; organized from 7th to 9th May 2016
3. Sippy Fair; organized from 13th to 14th May 2016
4. Dungari Fair; organized from 14th to 16th May 2016
Spring festival is also called Basantotsava or Pipal-Jatra and takes place at Dhalpur ground,
Kullu from 28th April to 30th April. This fair has been declared a state festival by the
Himachal Pradesh government. As it marks the beginning of the spring season in the valley,
it is also known as Spring Festival.
Kullu is known as the valley of gods. The villages have their own gods and goddesses. It is
said that in olden days, the King used to sit in the Dhalpur ground with his courtiers under
the Pipal tree to look at the traditional dances. Earlier 16 Gods used to participate in the
fair, but as the years rolled by, the fair lost its grandeur. Every night during the festival,
cultural programs are performed by the various cultural groups at Kala Kendra which is a
big open-air theatre. The cultural groups and reputed artists come from all over India to
perform in the festival.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Kullu Spring Festival organized in Himachal
Pradesh, around 5020 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1610 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 470 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Kullu Spring Festival (the rest
of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Kullu
Spring Festival is around 29% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
54
Image source: http://thebestindiatourpackage.blogspot.in/2016/01/festivals-in-kullu-manali.html
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
11% 11% 5%
11%
11%
47%
21%
47% 37%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 94: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Kullu Spring Festival
While 47%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 47% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
53%
46%
Percentage of respondents
25%
21%
16%
13%
9%
5%
5%
4%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 95: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Kullu Spring Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 53%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 20: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Kullu Spring Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Manikaran, Rohtang, Manali, Parashar Lake, Bijli Mahadev, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 7-7.5 thousand for its
visit to the destination while Kullu Spring Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other
expenses
13%
Travel to & fro
Shopping at fair ground destination
(incl. fair ticket) 28%
14%
Shopping at local
market Boarding & lodging
11% 29%
Local travel
5%
Figure 96: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Kullu
Spring Festival
During celebration of Kullu Spring Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
16% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Anni Fair
Annual fair is organized in the Anni tehsil of Kullu district in the month of May. Anni Mela
acts as an excursion for the local people. Large number of people from the entire Kullu
district comes to witness Anni Mela. Anni is famous for apple orchards, temples and other
beautiful sacred places.
It takes place in the first week of month of May. The stage is set up in the main ground
popularly known as Ranibela ground. This Anni fair is known as Anni Mela among the local
masses. Anni Mela continues for a period of 2 to 3 days. These couple of days are the time
of joy, celebrations, outing and shopping among the villagers. Anni Mela gathers a huge
crowd from different villages that come under Anni Tehsil and also from Rampur, Banjar,
and Shimla. The best part of Anni Mela is that all the prominent deities of the region like
Shamshi Mahadev, Kungshi Devta, Paneue Nag, Binnani Devta etc come here. People come
here to see and take blessings.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Anni Fair organized in Himachal Pradesh, around
4390 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 2510 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 1690 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Anni Fair (the rest of fair
visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Anni
Fair is around 67% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
55
Image source: http://www.mystateinfo.com/Kullu-Himachal-Pradesh
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
13% 8%
33%
42% 25%
21%
8%
25% 25%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 98: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Anni Fair
While 32%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 42% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
54%
42%
Percentage of respondents
39%
33%
21%
4%
3%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 99: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Anni Fair
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 54%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 21: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Anni Fair
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 2,500 for its visit to the
destination while Anni Fair was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average break-
up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 100: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Anni
Fair
During celebration of Anni Fair, a typical family is expected to spend around 18% additional
to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being celebrated. This is
on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets; wherever applicable) and
does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Sippy Fair
The annual fair hosted in the month of May is a hallmark of the state's splendid culture and
glorious traditions. It also reflects the fun loving side of the nature of the otherwise
industrious and simple local people. Set amidst the stunning background of Craigneno
Mashobra, the cultural carnival is hosted every year on the 14th of May. The traditional
Sippy fair hosted in the eco-friendly state, the erstwhile Summer Capital of British India is
noted for its cultural extravaganzas. The fair draws large masses of admiring crowds,
comprising of the young as well as the old who gather to witness the legendary bull fighting
that closely equals its original Spanish counterparts in stature. Exuberant children run all
round the place buying toys and other cute local knick-knacks while vivacious adults catch
up one another and enjoy the daybreak of routine life. Tourists and adolescents experiment
with the mouth-watering traditional food being sold in the local stalls and have a gala time
in frolicking time in mirth and merriment.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Sippy Fair organized in Himachal Pradesh, around
290 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during
the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 90 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, around 30 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations
such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible number of foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Sippy Fair (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who
had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that
the increase in tourist inflow due to Sippy Fair is around 31% for Indian tourists and
negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
20% 20%
80% 80%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 101: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Sippy Fair
While 80%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 80% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
61%
36%
10%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 102: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Sippy Fair
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 90% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 22: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Sippy Fair
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Mall
Road, Kufri, Jakhu Temple, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 3,800 – 4,000 for its visit
to the destination while Sippy Fair was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 8%
(incl. fair ticket)
6%
Local travel
6%
Figure 103: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Sippy
Fair
During celebration of Sippy Fair, a typical family is expected to spend around 7% additional
to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being celebrated. This is
on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets; wherever applicable) and
does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Dungari Fair
Celebrated in the month of May in Kullu, the Doongri Fair like all the other fairs held at
Himachal is yet another colourful affair. Also known as Hadimba Devi Fair, it is held near the
Hadimba Temple which is just 1.5 kms from Manali bus stand.
Celebrated to mark the advent of spring, the most pleasant of all seasons, the fair attracts a
host of tourists and locales both to celebrate the valley at its natural best. It is spread
across 3 days and is celebrated in May with grandeur. Multi coloured flowers bloom in the
entire valley spilling colour all around. And to add more, little kites also dapple the horizon
with their bright colors to mark the spring festival, coined as 'Basant Panchami.'
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Dungari Fair organized in Himachal Pradesh,
around 4330 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 3290 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 40 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 620 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Dungari Fair (the rest of fair
visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Dungari Fair is around 19% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
56
Image source: http://www.himachalonline.com/events
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3%
14%
31%
31%
69%
52%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 105: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Dungari Fair
While 52%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 69% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
83%
66%
Percentage of respondents
11%
7%
7%
6%
6%
6%
6%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 106: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Dungari Fair
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 83%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 23: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Dungari Fair
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 9-10,000 for its visit to
the destination while Dungari Fair was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
11%
Figure 107: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Dungari Fair
During celebration of Dungari Fair, a typical family is expected to spend around 11%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Jammu & Kashmir consists of three cultural regions: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh – called
divisions. While Srinagar (in Kashmir Valley) is the summer capital, Jammu is the winter
capital. The state is divided into 22 districts.
As per 2011 census, total population of the state is around 12.5 million. Jammu & Kashmir
is the only Indian state with a Muslim majority population.
Before the intensification of insurgency in 1989, tourism formed an important part of the
Kashmiri economy. Tourism has somewhat rebounded in recent years followed by recent
decrease in violence.
In 2014, somewhat below 1.4 million tourists visited Jammu & Kashmir of which close to
7% tourists were foreign. Domestic tourism has seen a de-growth (CAGR57) of more than
32% since 2009. In fact, this is due to a steep drop in 2014 before which domestic tourism
to state was growing. Subsequent chart shows the tourism statistics58 for the state from
2009 to 2015.
57
Compounded annual growth rate
58
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
30,00,000 20,000
12,62,442
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 109: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Jammu & Kashmir from 2009 to
2015
Jammu & Kashmir as contributed to more than 1% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in
India over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the study, following fairs & festivals were covered:
1. Tulip Festival; organized on 13th and 14th April 2016
2. J&K Baisakhi Mela; organized on 13th and 14th April 2016
Tulip Festival
The Tulip Festival displays a large variety of tulips. Large number of tourists comes to the
venue to catch the sight of these beautiful tulips. The festivals also feature a number of
cultural programs, sale of local handicrafts, Kashmiri folk songs and other forms of arts. On
visiting this festival, you will also be able to taste traditional cultural Kashmiri cuisine.
The Tulip Festival is held in Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Located in the foothills of Zabarwan range, it overlooks the Dal Lake and offers a breath-
taking sight.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Tulip Festival organized in Jammu & Kashmir,
around 22030 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 20800 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 700 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Tulip Festival (the rest of fair
visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Tulip
Festival is around 3% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
59
Image source:
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
14% 14%
29% 29%
57% 57%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 111: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Tulip Festival
While 57%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 57% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 1 to 2 months
before actual travel.
100%
Percentage of respondents
47%
33%
7%
7%
7%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 112: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Tulip Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 100% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 24: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Tulip Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 5 – 6 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 3 – 4 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Shankaracharya Temple, Nishat Bagh, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 55,000 for its visit to the
destination while Tulip Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
8%
Figure 113: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Tulip
Festival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Baisakhi marks the birth anniversary of Khalsa Panth and harvesting season which is
celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across J&K. As the morning started, the beats
of ‘dhols’ began resounding, the joyous performances of bhangra and elaborate feasts
marked Baisakhi celebrations not only in Jammu region but also in Kashmir. Bhajan Kirtans
were also performed at many Gurdwaras across Jammu region.
People started visiting temples and Gurdwaras and offered prayers for peace and prosperity
in the State. In villages, performances of bhangra are done by men and women
respectively. People also exchanged greetings with friends, neighbours and relatives as they
relished the best of famous Punjabi cuisine. Men and women were seen visiting their fields
to harvest the first crop of the season. Colourful Baisakhi fairs are organized at several
places with people going on shopping, eating and recreational spree. The markets also
remained crowded with the shoppers throughout the day. Community feasts were also
arranged at various places.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of J&K Baisakhi Mela organized in Jammu & Kashmir,
around 4780 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 3440 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 400 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit J&K Baisakhi Mela (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to J&K
Baisakhi Mela is around 12% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
60
Image source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/celebrating-the-spirit-of-baisakhi/
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
13% 13%
13% 13%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 115: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of J&K Baisakhi Mela
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 50% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
38%
37%
31%
31%
Percentage of respondents
22%
22%
11%
4%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 116: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
J&K Baisakhi Mela
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 38% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 25: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of J&K Baisakhi Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 -2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Gulmarg, Pahalgam, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 32-33,000 for its visit to
the destination while J&K Baisakhi Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 117: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during J&K
Baisakhi Mela
During celebration of J&K Baisakhi Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around 8%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Jharkhand
Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar in November 2000. It shares its borders with Bihar to the
north, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to the west, Odisha to the south and West Bengal to
the east. Its total land area is close to 80,000 square kilometres.
Administratively, the state is divided into 24 districts. While Ranchi is the capital of the
state, Jamshedpur is the most populous city. As per 2011 census, Jharkhand has a
population of around 33 million. Around 28% of the population is classified as Scheduled
Tribes while 12% are Scheduled Castes. More than two-thirds of the population follows
Hinduism.
In 2014, more than 33 million tourists visited Jharkhand of which just below 0.5% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR61) of around 34% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics62 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
61
Compounded annual growth rate
62
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
2,80,00,000 1,60,000
1,67,785
Number of domestic tourists
76,10,160 68,85,273
1,07,96,286
70,00,000 40,000
13,872 45,995
15,695 31,909
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 119: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Jharkhand from 2009 to 2015
Jharkhand has contributed to around 1.7% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India
over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of study, Sarhul Festival which was celebrated on 10th April 2016 was
covered.
Sarhul Festival
Sarhul is a tribal festival in the state of Jharkhand and is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla
Tritiya. The festival marks the beginning of tribal new-year. Sarhul literally means ‘Worship
of Sal tree’. In addition, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Earth.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Sarhul Festival organized in Jharkhand, around
1630 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 230 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 140 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Sarhul Festival (the rest of fair
visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Sarhul Festival is around 62% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
63
Image source: http://pluslifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Sarhul-Festival-Jharkhand.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
5%
100% 95%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 121: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Sarhul Festival
While 100%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a
week before actual travel, 95% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
53%
44%
42%
Percentage of respondents
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 122: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Sarhul Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 53% of respondents, hoarding is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 26: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Sarhul Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Pahari
Mandir, Dewri Temple, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 12-13,000 for its visit to
the destination while Sarhul Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
1%
Shopping at local
market
17%
Figure 123: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Sarhul
Festival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Karnataka
Karnataka was formed under States Reorganization Act 1956. Initially it retained its name
of ‘State of Mysore’ but was named Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka, the seventh largest state
in India, is bordered by Goa to the north-west, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to
the south-east and Kerala to the south-west.
Karnataka is thought to be derived from Kannada words karu and nadu meaning elevated
land. It can also be read as black land as karu may also mean black and is a reference to
the black cotton soil found in the region.
The state is divided administratively into 30 districts with Bangalore as its capital. As per the
2011 census, population of Karnataka stood at just over 61 million. More than 80% of the
population is Hindu followed by Muslims. Kannada is the official as well as native language
for the state and is spoken by around two-thirds of the population.
Karnataka’s long and varied history and its rich cultural heritage ensure a special place for
the state in the tourist itinerary. An array of temples, forts, hill ranges, forests, modern
cities, beaches etc. have ensured large inflow of tourists to the state. In 2014, more than
118 million tourists visited Karnataka of which just below 0.5% tourists were foreign.
Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR64) of around 30%. Subsequent chart shows the tourism
statistics65 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
64
Compounded annual growth rate
65
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
5,00,00,000 3,00,000
3,82,02,077
2,50,00,000 3,27,01,647 1,50,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 125: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Karnataka from 2009 to 2015
Karnataka has contributed to 8% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009 to
2015.
For the purpose of this report, two fairs / festivals were covered in the state. These are:
Mysore Dussehra Festival (2-11 Oct 2016
Hampi Festival (3-5 Nov 2016)
This is a ten-day long festival and is celebrated to mark the victory of truth or evil. It is
usually celebrated in the month of October where the last day is called Vijayadashami. The
Mysore Palace is a tourist attraction during this festival and cultural programmes are
performed by artists.
Exhibitions are also organized in the exhibition grounds opposite to the Mysore Palace. The
entire Mysore city is filled with happiness during the festival and various music and dance
programmes are held with artists from all over the country performing. The festival was
held during October 1st-11th in the year 2016.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Mysore Dussehra Festival organized in Karnataka,
around 9790 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 10730 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 330 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 8130 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
130 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Mysore Dussehra Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Mysore Dussehra Festival is
around 94% for Indian tourists and around 45% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
66
Image source: http://cms.indiaeve.com/images/events/Event68844012Img.jpg
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 1% 3%
9%
19%
38%
10%
58%
60%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 127: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mysore Dussehra Festival
While 60%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 58% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than 15
days before actual travel.
70%
Percentage of respondents
23%
19%
18%
18%
16%
13%
12%
8%
2%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 128: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Mysore Dussehra Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 69% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 27: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Mysore Dussehra Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 4 – 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 3 – 4 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Yuva Dasara, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 12-15,000 for its visit to
the destination while Mysore Dussehra Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
9%
Shopping at local
market Local travel
18% 7%
Figure 129: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Mysore
Dussehra Festival
During celebration of Mysore Dussehra Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
39% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Hampi Festival
The Hampi Festival (or Vijaya Utsav) is celebrated to mark the remembrance of the
Vijaynagar period. Folk artists from all over the nation perform cultural activities in Hampi
which is a world heritage site. It is a three-day festival and is usually celebrated from Nov
03rd-05th.
The festival is organized by the Government of Karnataka and is celebrated with much
enthusiasm with the main motive of attracting tourists to this World Heritage site. The
major attractions during the festival are the light and sound show, puppet show and modern
craftsmen exhibiting beautiful handicrafts.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Hampi Festival organized in Karnataka, around
3250 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 2280 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 20 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 1460 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
10 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Hampi Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents;
i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is
estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Hampi Festival is around 64% for Indian
tourists and around 50% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
67
Image source: http://discoveringindia.net/hampi-festival-2016/
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3%
7% 8%
30% 13%
36% 14%
13%
14%
14% 13% 9%
11% 16%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 131: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Hampi Festival
While 30%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 36% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
30%
28%
10%
9%
8%
7%
7%
6%
6%
6%
5%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 132: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Hampi Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 35% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 28: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Hampi Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Virupaksha Temple, Vijay Vittal Temple, Lotus Mahal, Queen's Bath, Ganesh Temple, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 24-25,000 for its visit to
the destination while Hampi Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
44%
Local travel
7%
Shopping at fair ground Shopping at local
(incl. fair ticket) market
10% 8%
Figure 133: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Hampi
Festival
During celebration of Hampi Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 11%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Kerala
Kerala was formed in 1956 following the States Reorganization Act which combined
Malayalam speaking regions. It is bordered by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the
east and south and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. It is divided into 14 districts with
capital at Thiruvananthapuram.
It had a population of around 33.39 million people as per 2011 census. Kerala has amongst
the lowest population growths in the country as well as highest Human Development Index
(HDI), highest literacy rate, highest life expectancy as well as highest sex ratio. Majority of
its population are Hindus followed by Islam and Christianity. Matrilineal traditions have
ensured a high standing and influence for women in the society.
Kerala is amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the country with backwaters,
beaches, Ayurveda and tropical greenery as the main attractions. Kerala celebrates over
10,000 festivals every year – highest for any state. Much of the festivals are celebrated as
‘Temple Festivals’. Many of these temple festivals are called ‘Poorams’.
In 2014, close to 13 million tourists visited Kerala of which around 8% tourists were foreign.
Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 68) of more than 8.5% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics69 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
68
Compounded annual growth rate
69
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
30,00,000 2,00,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 135: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Kerala from 2009 to 2015
Kerala has contributed to more than 1% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the study, following fairs and festivals have been covered:
Mullackal Chirapp Fest (20-27 Dec 2015)
Cochin Carnival (27 Dec 2015 – 3 Jan 2016)
Uthralikkavu Pooram (3 Jan 2016)
Anayadi Gajamela (7-8 Jan 2016)
Chinakkathoor Pooram (22 Feb 2016)
Kadamanitta Patayani (14-21 Apr 2016)
Kudal Manikyam (19-29 Apr 2016)
Puthupally Perunaal (6-7 May 2016)
Anayadi Gajamela
Anayadi Gajamela is one of the most important elephant festivals held in Kerala. In this
festival elephants are lined up for procession and are offered to the temple deity.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Anayadi Gajamela organized in Kerala, around
440 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during
the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 150 were Indian tourists whereas
there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business
travellers). Further, around 10 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Anayadi Gajamela (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Anayadi Gajamela is around
9% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
70
Image source: http://www.garudacreations.com/uploads/f2013033548.jpg
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
33% 33%
67% 67%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 137: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Anayadi Gajamela
While 67%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 67% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
33%
33%
33%
30%
30%
30%
Percentage of respondents
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 138: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Anayadi Gajamela
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 33% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 29: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Anayadi Gajamela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 4-4.5 thousand for its
visit to the destination while Anayadi Gajamela was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping
at fair
ground
(incl. fair
ticket)
45%
Local travel
Shopping at
3%
local market
20%
Figure 139: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Anayadi Gajamela
During celebration of Anayadi Gajamela, a typical family is expected to spend around 81%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is celebrated at Fort Kochi every year for 10 days during December. Various
games such as dirt bike races, beach volleyball, fireworks display etc. are held during this
time. Carnival is a continuity of Portuguese New Year revelry held during the colonial days.
It is estimated that in the 2015-16 edition of Cochin Carnival organized in Kerala, around
13590 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 9900 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 1530 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 3980 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
430 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Cochin Carnival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents;
i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is
estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Cochin Carnival is around 42% for Indian
tourists and around 28% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
71
Image source: http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00878/kompCochin_carnival_878501g.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
9%
20%
33% 18%
20% 9%
64%
27%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 141: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Cochin Carnival
While 33%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 64% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
55%
45%
Percentage of respondents
32%
32%
16%
12%
4%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 142: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Cochin Carnival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 55% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 30: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Cochin Carnival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Marine
Drive, Cherai Beach, Lulu Mall, Atirampally falls, Bolgatty Palace, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 14-15,000 for its visit to
the destination while Cochin Carnival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
10%
Figure 143: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Cochin
Carnival
During celebration of Cochin Carnival, a typical family is expected to spend around 16%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
100% 100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 144: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Cochin Carnival
While 100%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 1 to 2
months before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
33%
33%
33%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 145: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Cochin Carnival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 100% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 31: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Cochin Carnival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 3 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 1.5 Lacs for its visit to the
destination while Cochin Carnival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
10%
Local travel
3%
Figure 146: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Cochin
Carnival
Chinakkathoor Pooram
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
72
Image source: https://www.keralatourism.org/images/hri/large/chinakkathoor_pooram_281.jpg
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3%
14%
28%
59% 97%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 148: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Chinakkathoor Pooram
While 59%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 97% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
28%
21%
14%
14%
13%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 149: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Chinakkathoor Pooram
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 52% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 32: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Chinakkathoor Pooram
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Chinkkathoor, Kotta, Mallampuzha, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 2,000 for its visit to the
destination while Chinakkathoor Pooram was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market Travel to & fro
16% destination
26%
Local travel
6%
Figure 150: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Chinakkathoor Pooram
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Uthralikkavu Pooram
The festivity continues for eight days with elephant processions being the main highlight all
through day and night. Traditional musical ensembles like the Panchavadyam and the
Pandimelam add rhythm to these processions. The festival also gives a chance for the
spectators to enjoy the temple and folk art forms of Kerala.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Uthralikkavu Pooram organized in Kerala, around
1430 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 60 were Indian tourists whereas
there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business
travellers). Further, around 20 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Uthralikkavu Pooram (the rest of fair visitors being
local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than
300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Uthralikkavu Pooram is
around 27% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
73
Image source: http://www.exploitrip.com/destinations/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/uthralikavu-pooram-2012-
41.jpg
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
25%
33%
67%
75%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 152: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Uthralikkavu Pooram
While 75%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 3 to 6 months
before actual travel, 67% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 3 to 6 months
before actual travel.
60%
50%
50%
Percentage of respondents
20%
20%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 153: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Uthralikkavu Pooram
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 60% of respondents, other sources is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 33: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Uthralikkavu Pooram
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 3 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 36-37,000 for its visit to
the destination while Uthralikkavu Pooram was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 154: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Uthralikkavu Pooram
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Kadamanitta Patayani
Kadamanitta Patyayani is a festival of traditional folk dance and ritual art. This ceremonial
dance – which involves wearing masks – is an ancient ritual performed in the Bhagawati
temples. Patayani means ‘row of warriors’ and the art form blends music, dance, theatre,
satire, facial masks and paintings.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Kadamanitta Patayani organized in Kerala, around
360 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during
the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 50 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, around 30 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations
such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible number of foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Kadamanitta Patayani (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e.
those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is
estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Kadamanitta Patayani is around 54% for
Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
74
Image source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzzQJdWu8Dw/VqNjrDJ_V-
I/AAAAAAAAAbM/0yW3O7K6P34/s1600/Kadamannitta%2BPadayani%2Bkolam.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
7%
20% 7%
13%
46% 46%
13%
40% 8%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 156: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Kadamanitta Patayani
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 46% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than one month before actual travel.
31%
31%
31%
27%
25%
Percentage of respondents
23%
13%
12%
8%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 157: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Kadamanitta Patayani
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 31% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 34: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Kadamanitta Patayani
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 3 – 4 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Gavi,
Kavni, Thannithode, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 4-5,000 for its visit to the
destination while Kadamanitta Patayani was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other
expenses Travel to & fro
20% destination
23%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
8%
Figure 158: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Kadamanitta Patayani
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Kudal Manikyam
Kudalmanikyam is a Hindu temple situated in Thrissur district in Kerala. The deity is taken
out for a ceremonial procession during the annual festival. On each day of this festival, a
procession of elephants is held twice – once in the morning and once at night to the
accompaniment of sacred music.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Kudal Manikyam organized in Kerala, around 1350
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 260 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, around 120 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Kudal Manikyam (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Kudal Manikyam is around
45% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
75
Image source: https://www.templepurohit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/13_9164.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
17%
33% 33%
17% 17%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 160: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Kudal Manikyam
While 33%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 33% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 2 to 3 months
before actual travel.
50%
50%
Percentage of respondents
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 161: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Kudal Manikyam
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 50% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 35: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Kudal Manikyam
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Koodal
Manikyam temple, Thrissur Pooram, Guruvayur Temple, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 7-8,000 for its visit to the
destination while Kudal Manikyam was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 162: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Kudal
Manikyam
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Mullackal Temple, in Alleppey, is one of the most popular temples in Kerala. Different
festivals are celebrated in this temple the biggest of which is Mullackal Chirapp. Last two
days of the festival are considered to be most sacred where nine colourful elephants
participate in the festive chores.
It is estimated that in the 2015 edition of Mullackal Chirapp organized in Kerala, around
7060 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 5280 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 700 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Mullackal Chirapp (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Mullackal Chirapp is around 13% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
76
Image source: http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b435/tradekerala/Kerala%20Holidays/Kalpathy-
Ratholsavam.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
7%
7% 7%
20%
47%
57% 29%
13%
13%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 164: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mullackal Chirapp Festival
While 47%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 57% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
60%
Percentage of respondents
45%
41%
33%
7%
5%
5%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 165: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Mullackal Chirapp Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 40% of respondents, word of mouth is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 36: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Mullackal Chirapp Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 4 – 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Light
House, Boat Club, Cherai Beach, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 29-30,000 for its visit to
the destination while Mullackal Chirapp Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
14%
Local travel
8%
Figure 166: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Mullackal Chirapp Festival
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
100% 100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 167: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mullackal Chirapp Festival
While 100%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a
week before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 168: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Mullackal Chirapp Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 100%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 37: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Mullackal Chirapp Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 6 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 3 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 15,000 for its visit to the
destination while Mullackal Chirapp Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 169: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Mullackal
Chirapp Festival
Puthupally Perunaal
The renowned Puthuppally Perunnal (perunal means feast) is a two-day event of kerala. It is
celebrated on the 23rd and 24th of the Malayalam month of Medom, which usually
corresponds to May 7th or 8th at the St. George Orthodox Church, Puthuppally.
The festivities begin with the hoisting of the festival flag-mast, ten days prior to the festival.
It is attended by thousands of all castes and creeds and is a shining example of the
communal harmony of Kerala. Traditional prayers and rituals add to the piousness of the
occasion.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Puthupally Perunaal organized in Kerala, around
1420 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 280 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 220 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Puthupally Perunaal (the rest
of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Puthupally Perunaal is around 78% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
77
Image source: https://www.keralatourism.org/event/puthuppally-perunnal/89
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
5%
42%
53%
100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 171: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Puthupally Perunaal
While 42%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
72%
71%
Percentage of respondents
29%
28%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 172: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Puthupally Perunaal
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 72% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 38: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Puthupally Perunaal
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Kumarokom, Puthupalli, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 2,600 – 2,700 for its visit
to the destination while Puthupally Perunaal was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
10%
Figure 173: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Puthupally Perunaal
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep78 is a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea, 200 to 440 kilometres off the
coast of Kerala. Lakshadweep has a total of about thirty-nine islands and islets, of which
only 10 are inhabited. The islands form the smallest Union Territory of India: their total
surface area is just 32 square kilometres.
As per 2011 census, the population of Lakshadweep was about 65,000. Majority of the
people of Lakshadweep are ethnically similar to coastal Kerala's Malayali people. More than
93% of the population, who are indigenous, are Muslims. The southernmost and second
largest island of Minicoy has an ethnically Mahls population that are native to the Maldives.
There are several festivals that have celebrated in the island of Lakshadweep to mark the
eminence of Islam. Lakshadweep is also characterized by certain festivals that are found in
the core ethnic groups of the place. Moulood is one such religious event when the islanders
offer prayers to the divine power and eat in groups. The festival of Ratheeb is another such
occasion which originated in the Kavaratti region of Lakshadweep.
Malayalam is spoken in all islands except Minicoy where people speak Mahl, which has its
own script resembling Arabic. The main occupation of the people is fishing, coconut
cultivation and coir twisting.
Administratively, it is a single Indian district with ten sub divisions. The ten sub-divisions
are Androth, Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.
78
Lakshadweep comes from "Lakshadweepa", which means "one hundred thousand islands" in Sanskrit
Kavaratti serves as the capital of the Union Territory and the region comes under the
jurisdiction of Kerala High Court.
In 2014, around 19,000 tourists visited Lakshadweep of which around 3% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR79) of around 11% since 2009. However, the
number of foreign tourist arriving to the islands has been declining rapidly. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics80 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
4,417 4,784
1,512
4,000 1,000
1,173
371
567 580 514
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 175: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Lakshadweep from 2009 to 2015
No information on fairs & festivals was provided by the union territory administration
despite several follow-ups. As per list provided by Ministry of Tourism, only National Minicoy
Festival was listed. However, during our ground work we were told that the footfall of
tourists (during the fair) is very low. Also, there are no registered accommodations in
Minicoy (and only home stays) which are an integral part of our methodology to estimate
tourist footfall. Substitute festivals were covered in other states / UTs as per scheme given
in Annexure B.
79
Compounded annual growth rate
80
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is situated in the middle of the India, surrounded by five states viz.
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujrat, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. It is the second-largest
state in the country with an area of 308,245 square kilometres. It was the largest in area
until 2000, when its south eastern Chhattisgarh region was made a separate state. It has
51 districts, which are grouped into 10 divisions. Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and
Ujjain are some of the key cities of the state.
As per 2011 census, the population of Madhya Pradesh was about 72 million. Nearly 20% of
the total population of state is comprised of ethnic groups and tribes, including the
indigenous tribals. More than 91% of the population of state follow Hinduism. The official
language of the state is Hindi. In addition Urdu and Marathi are spoken by a substantial
number of the population of the state. The state has the highest concentration of Marathi
people outside Maharashtra.
Madhya Pradesh is among the fastest growing states in India; GSDP 81 grew at a compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.83 per cent during 2004-05 to 2014-15. There are 11
agro-climatic zones and a variety of soils available in the state to support cultivation of a
wide range of crops.
The state's tourism industry is growing, fuelled by wildlife tourism and a number of places of
historical and religious significance. Three sites in Madhya Pradesh have been
declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
including Devi Jagadambi temple, Rewa, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) and
81
Gross State Domestic Product
the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003). More than 30% of the area of state is under forest
cover comprising of 9 National Parks and 18 biosphere reserves.
In 2014, more than 63 million tourists visited Madhya Pradesh of 0.5% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 82) of more than 22% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics83 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
7,79,75,738
6,31,10,709 6,36,14,525
6,40,00,000 3,60,000
Number of domestic tourists
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 177: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Madhya Pradesh from 2009 to
2015
Madhya Pradesh has contributed to almost 5% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India
over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of this report, following fairs / festivals were covered:
Tansen Music Festival (23-26 Jan 2016)
Khajuraho Dance Festival (20-26 Feb 2017)
Lokrang Festival (22-26 Feb 2017)
82
Compounded annual growth rate
83
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Tansen Samaroh or Tansen Music Festival is a four day musical extravaganza when the
artists and musicians from across the world gather here to pay tribute to medieval Indian
music maestro Tansen.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Tansen Music Festival organized in Madhya
Pradesh, around 2010 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1940 were Indian
tourists whereas there were 30 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 620 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Tansen Music Festival (the rest
of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Tansen Music Festival is around 47% for Indian tourists and around 10% for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
84
Image source: http://tansensamaroh.com/images/slider-d02.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3% 2%
5%
14%
2%
55%
53%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 179: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Tansen Music Festival
While 55%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 53% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than 15 days before actual travel.
49%
45%
Percentage of respondents
30%
21%
20%
17%
6%
5%
3%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 180: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Tansen Music Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 49% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 39: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Tansen Music Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Sun
Temple, Sas Bahu Temple, Raja Man Singh Fort, Tansen Makbara, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 6,500 – 7,000 for its visit
to the destination while Tansen Music Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 8%
(incl. fair ticket)
7%
Travel to & fro
destination
20%
Shopping at local
market
15%
Local travel
6%
Boarding & lodging
44%
Figure 181: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Tansen
Music Festival
During celebration of Tansen Music Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
8% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
The one-week long festival comprises of classical dance styles such as Kathak, Odishi,
Manipuri and many other eminent dance forms with performances from the best dancers
from across the nation. The festival is held in the Khajuraho temples located in the state of
Madhya Pradesh. The festival, organized by the Kali Parishad under the state government,
focusses on showcasing human emotions with the help of dance.
The festival is organized in the second half of February where the winters tend to come to
an end and spring is welcomed by the whole state. The festival has been celebrated for the
last 40 years and has played an important role in emphasizing the importance of cultural
heritage.
It is estimated that in the 2017 edition of Khajuraho Dance Festival organized in Madhya
Pradesh, around 1470 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 840 were Indian
tourists whereas there were 390 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 460 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
220 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Khajuraho Dance Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Khajuraho Dance Festival is
around 60% for Indian tourists and around 62% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
85
Image source: http://artculturefestival.in/khajuraho-dance-festival/
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3%
8% 10%
19% 19%
10%
13%
8%
14%
19%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 183: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Khajuraho Dance Festival
While 27% of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 29% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 1 to 2 months
before actual travel.
70%
70%
Percentage of respondents
11%
9%
9%
8%
5%
5%
5%
3%
3%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 184: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 70% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 40: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Khajuraho Dance Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 4 – 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Jain
Temple, Indian Tribal and Folk Art Museum, Western Temple, Art Market, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 12-13,000 for its visit to
the destination while Khajuraho Dance Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 4%
(incl. fair ticket)
15%
Local travel
8%
Boarding & lodging
34%
Figure 185: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Khajuraho Dance Festival
During celebration of Khajuraho Dance Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
18% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Lokrang Festival
The five-day long festival which is held in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, begins
every year on 26th January, the nation’s Republic Day. The main objective of the festival is
to revive the ancient cultures with major focus on tribal dance, tribal arts keeping in mind
the rich heritage that each state in the nation carries.
The festival is a treat for the visitors and increases their knowledge about various cultures
of each state. It is organized by Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Lok Kala Academy and was held at
BHEL Dussehra Maidan in 2017 instead of Ravindra Bhawan, where the festival takes places
every year. The festival is very important since it brings people from all over the nation and
unifies India.
It is estimated that in the 2017 edition of Lokrang Festival organized in Madhya Pradesh,
around 5010 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 430 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 40 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 70 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Lokrang Festival (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Lokrang Festival is around 17% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
86
Image source: http://www.travelly.in/events/2017/lokrang-festival-in-bhopal-to-begin-on-january-26th/
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is situated in the western region of India. It is the third-largest state in the
country with an area of 307,713 square kilometres. Maharashtra is divided into five
geographic regions i.e Konkan is the western coastal region, Kandesh is the north-western
region, Marathwada is the south eastern part of the state, Vidarbha is the easternmost
region of the state and south-western region.
Maharashtra is the second most populous state in the country. As per 2011 census, the
population of Maharashtra was about 112 million. The 2011 census found scheduled castes
and scheduled tribes to account for 11.8 and 8.9% of the population respectively.
Maharashtra is a highly urbanized state with 45.2 percent of the population residing in
urban areas. Nearly 80% of the population of the state follow Hinduism while Muslims
constituted 11.5% of the total population. The official language is Marathi although different
regions have their own dialects.
Maharashtra is the most industrialised state and has maintained the leading position in the
industrial sector in India. The State is pioneer in small scale industries. Mumbai, the capital
of state and the financial capital of India, houses the headquarters of most of the major
corporate and financial institutions. Industrial and services sectors together contribute to
about 87 percent of the economy of state, whereas, agriculture and allied activities
contribute the remaining 13 percent. Agriculture sector, however, accounts for about 55
percent of the total employment in the state. The state's per-capita income is 40%
higher than the all-India average
In 2014, close to 100 million tourists visited Maharashtra of which close to 5% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR87) of around 25% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics88 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 188: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Maharashtra from 2009 to 2015
For the purpose of this report, following fairs & festivals were covered:
Kalidas Festival (21-24 Nov 2016)
Sawai Gandharva Festival (8-11 Dec 2016)
Sunburn Festival (28-31 Dec 2016)
Chikoo Festival (21-22 Jan 2017)
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (4-12 Feb 2017)
87
Compounded annual growth rate
88
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Kalidas Festival
This is a two-day long festival which is organized in Ramtek town in Nagpur district of
Madhya Pradesh. The major objective of the festival is to remember the great poet Kalidas
and his ancient works which are a major part of ancient Indian literature. The festival
includes performances from theatre artists and dancers from all across the country.
It is organized in Ramtek since it is believed that this place inspired the great poet Kalidas
in the process of creating some of his great works which include "Raghuvamsam",
"Meghadootam" and many more. This event is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism
Development Corporation. The festival was first organized in the year 1996 and was last
held during Nov 20-23 in 2016.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Kalidas Festival organized in Maharashtra, around
610 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during
the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 0 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations
such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible number of foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Kalidas Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those
who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated
that the increase in tourist inflow due to Kalidas Festival is negligible for Indian tourists and
negligible for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
89
Image source: http://tariquesani.net/coppermine/displayimaged7ae.html?album=42&pos=17
This festival is usually hosted during the second week of December and has been taking
place since 1953 in the city of Pune. The first edition of the festival was organized to mark
the first death anniversary of Sawai Gandharva, an eminent classical vocalist of ancient
India.
Since its inception, the festival has become an annual event which is organized by the Arya
Sangeet Prasarak Mandal which was founded Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. The festival was renamed
to “Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav” after the sad demise of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi on
January 24, 2011. The festival emphasizes on the rich work in the field of music by Sawai
Gandharva, Pt. Joshi’s guru.
90
Image source:
http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5325887902005938086&SectionId=51715611420642580
99&SectionName=Pune&NewsTitle=Sawai%20festival%20ends%20with%20great%20performances
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Sunburn Festival
This festival is an electronic dance music (EDM) festival and is one of the major festivals
that attract the youth across the nation. More than 100 international artists arrive at the
location and entertain the crowd with glimpses of their music. This festival was first
organized in the year 2007 at Candolim Beach, Goa.
The four-day long festival is organized by Percept Company with the location being the
Kesnand hills, Pune. The first nine editions of the annual festival were held in the beach
state of the nation but the festival moved to Pune in 2016. The event provides quality music
to the visitors and promises to give once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
91
Image source: http://www.india.com/lifestyle/sunburn-pune-2016-the-controversial-reason-why-sunburn-music-
festival-moved-from-goa-to-pune-1730797/
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
66% 66%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 192: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Sunburn Festival
While 66%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 66% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than 15
days before actual travel.
100%
Percentage of respondents
66%
11%
11%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 193: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Sunburn Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 100% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 41: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Sunburn Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Keshnan Hills, Shaniwar Wada, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 19-20,000 for its visit to
the destination while Sunburn Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 194: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Sunburn Festival
During celebration of Sunburn Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 69%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Chikoo Festival
The two-day long festival which is usually organized in the month of January or February
highlights the significance of Dahanu, the place where the festival takes place. The location
of the festival is Northern Maharashtra’s long coastline which is known for its clean and
fresh beaches.
The location is also known for producing the best chikoos in the region. The festival was first
started in 2013 and is organized by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. After
the festival is finished, the tourists are given baskets of chikoos as a warm token of
appreciation. The Chikoo Festival was last held on January 21st and 22nd 2017.
It is estimated that in the 2017 edition of Chikoo Festival organized in Maharashtra, around
at least 130 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 130 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 0 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 30 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Chikoo Festival (the rest of fair
visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Chikoo Festival is around 19% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
92
Image source: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/slideshow-chikoo-festival-in-dahanu-shows-off-the-fruit-in-a-
unique-way-1958960
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 2%
12% 12% 7%
16%
21%
23% 54%
21%
30%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 196: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Chikoo Festival
While 30%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 54% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
35%
33%
Percentage of respondents
25%
24%
19%
15%
14%
10%
9%
7%
6%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 197: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Chikoo Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 35% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 42: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Chikoo Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Karmadi Bagh, Chiku ki Bagh, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 5,000 – 5,200 for its visit
to the destination while Chikoo Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at
local market
18%
Local travel
9%
Figure 198: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Chikoo
Festival
During celebration of Chikoo Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 39%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
This is a nine-day long festival which starts on the first Saturday in the month of February
and has been organized every year since 1999. The festival attracts much corporate
sponsorship and there is no entry fee for the visitors. The organizing body is the Kala Ghoda
Association with the objective of emphasizing the importance of arts in the region.
The festival includes art forms such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, street play and
many more. There are many dance and music performance by the notable national and
international artists. Adequate importance is given to food by providing live demonstration
of various cuisines being prepared. The festival was held from Feb 4th to Feb 12th in 2017.
It is estimated that in the 2017 edition of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival organized in
Maharashtra, around 8310 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on
any given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 6220 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 1640 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is around 26% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
93
Image source: http://www.newsmobile.in/articles/2016/02/12/naval-dockyard-participates-in-kala-ghoda-
festival/
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3%
5% 5%
23% 22% 24%
31%
15%
24%
30%
18%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 200: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
While 31%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 30% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than one
month before actual travel.
30%
29%
29%
27%
Percentage of respondents
17%
13%
11%
11%
11%
8%
5%
5%
3%
2%
1%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 201: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 30% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 43: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Siddhivinayak, Haji Ali, Alibag, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 11-12,000 for its visit to
the destination while Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
10%
Shopping at local
market
13% Local travel
9%
Figure 202: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Kala
Ghoda Arts Festival
During celebration of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
27% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Manipur
Manipur (or ‘Jewelled Land’) is a state in north eastern India, with the city of Imphal as its
capital. Manipur is a gateway to the south-east Asia with its bounteous vistas of
untrammelled beauty and ancient traditions, e.g. dance, drama, long, history of
administration, handloom and handicrafts, sports etc.
Manipur has a population of 2,721,756. Of this total, 58.9% live in the valley and the
remaining 41.1% in the hilly regions. The Meetei ethnic group, represents 20% of the
population of Manipur state. By comparison, indigenous tribal peoples constitute 20% of the
state population; they are distinguished by dialects and culture that are often village-based.
The Nagas are the second largest people in population next to the Meetei. The official
languages are Manipuri (Meeteilon) and English.
About 41.3% of Manipuri people are Hindus. Hinduism is mostly professed by Meetei people,
who are majority in the state. Christianity is followed by 41.2% of the people in the state.
The 2012–2013 gross state domestic product of Manipur was about 10188 crore (US$1.5
billion). Its economy is primarily agriculture, forestry, cottage and trade driven. Manipur
acts as India's "Gateway to the East" through Moreh and Tamu towns, the land route for
trade between India and Burma and other Southeast Asian countries.Manipur has the
highest number of handicrafts units and the highest number of crafts persons in the north
eastern region of India.
In 2014, close to 120,000 tourists visited Manipur of which just around 2.5% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a de-growth (CAGR94) of around 1% since 2009. However, inflow
of foreign tourists has seen a growth (CAGR) of more than 50% during the same period.
Subsequent chart shows the tourism statistics95 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
60,000 1,400
749
578
30,000 700
337 389
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 204: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Manipur from 2009 to 2015
Manipur has contributed to 0.01% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009
to 2015.
For the purpose of this report, following fairs / festivals have been covered:
Kut Festival (1st Nov 2016)
Manipur Sangai Festival (21-30 Nov 2016)
94
Compounded annual growth rate
95
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Kut Festival
This festival is celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season in the north-eastern state
of Manipur. The festival also known as Chavan Kut is celebrated by the tribe Chikim after
they have put in a lot of hard work during the farming season.
The Kut Festival includes a lot of cultural activities and is organized by the Manipur State
Level Kut Committee since 1979. The major attraction of this festival is a beauty pageant
where the Miss Kut is elected. The festival is organized every year on the 1st November.
The festivals also bring all the tribes of the state together and celebrate.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Kut Festival organized in Manipur, around 820
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 340 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, around 150 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Kut Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Kut Festival is around 42% for
Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
96
Image sources: http://www.nelive.in/manipur/art-culture/all-about-manipur’s-kut-festival
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2%
10%
30%
70%
88%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 206: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Kut Festival
While 70%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 88% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
68%
66%
Percentage of respondents
34%
24%
8%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 207: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Kut Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 68%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 44: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Kut Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Kangla
Fort, Loktak Lake, Sandra Place, Thangal Market, Leimaram Fall, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 10-11,000 for its visit to
the destination while Kut Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
6%
Figure 208: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Kut
Festival
During celebration of Kut Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 11%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
This festival is organized by the Manipal Tourism Department every year from 21st – 30th
November. The ten-day long festival is celebrated to showcase the uniqueness of the north-
eastern state and is named after the Sangai Deer which is found only in the Loktak Lake of
the state.
The major attractions of the festival include cultural activities, polo matches, traditional boat
race and many more. During the festival, the beautiful heritage of the state is showcased in
order to promote the north-eastern state as a tourist attraction.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Manipur Sanghai Festival organized in Manipur,
around 930 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 460 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 80 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 310 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
80 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Manipur Sanghai Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Manipur Sanghai Festival is
around 67% for Indian tourists and around 94% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
97
Image source: http://www.nelive.in/manipur/art-culture/all-about-manipurs-sangai-festival
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 1%
3%
24% 18%
26%
20%
25% 33%
49%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 210: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Manipur Sangai Festival
While 49%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 33% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than one
month before actual travel.
29%
27%
24%
23%
20%
Percentage of respondents
20%
19%
11%
8%
6%
6%
5%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 211: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Manipur Sangai Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 27% of respondents, television advertisement is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 45: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Manipur Sangai Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Manipur Polo Ground, Loktak Lake, Manipur Keibel Lamjao National Park, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 16-17,000 for its visit to
the destination while Manipur Sangai Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
11%
Figure 212: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Manipur Sangai Festival
During celebration of Manipur Sangai Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
12% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Meghalaya
The state of Meghalaya98 is mountainous, with stretches of valley and highland plateaus,
with about 70% of the area covered by forests. Meghalaya was previously part of Assam,
but on 21 January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state
of Meghalaya comprising of 11 districts. The capital Shillong is known as the "Scotland of
the East".
With average annual rainfall as high as 12,000 mm in some areas, Meghalaya is the wettest
place on earth. The western part of the plateau, comprising the Garo Hills region with lower
elevations, experiences high temperatures for most of the year.
As per 2011 census, the population of Meghalaya was about 3 million.Tribal people make up
the majority of Meghalaya's population. The Khasis are the largest group comprising of 45%
of population followed by the Garos with 27.5% population and Jaintias with 2.5%
population. Meghalaya is one of three states in India to have a Christian majority, about
75% of the population practices Christianity while 11% population follow Hinduism.
English is the official and widely spoken language of the state. The other principal languages
in Meghalaya are Khasi and Garo and Pnar.
Meghalaya's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at ₹16173 crore with
about 80% of its population depending entirely on agriculture for their livelihood. Jhum
cultivation or cut-and-burn shift farming is still practised by few communities in this region.
98
Meghalaya means "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit.
Meghalaya has historically followed a matrilineal system where the lineage and inheritance
are traced through women; the youngest daughter inherits all wealth and she also takes
care of her parents.
In 2014, close to 725,000 tourists visited Meghalaya of which just over 1.2% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 99) of around 4% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics100 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
6,52,756 8,027
5,313
3,20,000 4,803 4,000
4,522
4,177
1,60,000 2,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 214: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Meghalaya from 2009 to 2015
Meghalaya has contributed to 0.07% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of this report, following fairs / festivals were covered:
Cherrapunjee Festival (18 Dec 2016)
Wangala Dance Festival (10-12 Nov 2016)
Cherry Blossom Festival (14-17 Nov 2016)
Nongkrem Dance Festival (7th Dec 2016)
99
Compounded annual growth rate
100
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Cherrapunjee Festival
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
101
Image source: http://sohra.gov.in/gov_offices_jointventure_programme/cherra_festival/cfest1.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
15%
30%
70%
85%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 216: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Cherrapunjee Festival
While 70%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 85% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
42%
40%
35%
Percentage of respondents
29%
26%
25%
3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 217: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Cherrapunjee Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. However, for 40% of respondents, newspaper is the most
important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 46: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Cherrapunjee Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Cherrapunjee Falls, Cherrapunjee Cave, Sai Mi Kha, Elephant Fall, Shillong Peak, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 16-17,000 for its visit to
the destination while Cherrapunjee Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at
local market
19%
Local travel
18% Boarding & lodging
31%
Figure 218: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Cherrapunjee Festival
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
17% 17%
33%
50%
33%
50%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 219: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Cherrapunjee Festival
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 50% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than one
month before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
15%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 220: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Cherrapunjee Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 100% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 47: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Cherrapunjee Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 60-65,000 for its visit to
the destination while Cherrapunjee Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
This is an annual festival celebrated by the Garo tribe, who are mostly dependent on
agriculture for their loving of the north-eastern state in order to mark the end of the harvest
season. The festival is also known as “100 Drum Festival” and is in the honor of Saljong, the
Sun-God of fertility.
The festival was first celebrated in 1976 and since then it has been celebrated in second
week of November at Asanang village near Tura. The major attraction of the festival is the
Hundred Drums Festival along with the usual indigenous sports and popular dance festivals.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Wangala Dance Festival organized in Meghalaya,
around at least 260 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 90 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 50 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Wangala Dance Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Wangala Dance Festival is around 58% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
102
Image source: http://www.india.com/travel/articles/wangala-festival-2015-all-you-need-to-know-about-it/
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2%
5% 7% 5%
7%
14%
23%
12%
14%
79%
33%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 223: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Wangala Dance Festival
While 33%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 79% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
40%
Percentage of respondents
30%
28%
28%
24%
23%
8%
5%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 224: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Wangala Dance Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 40% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 48: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Wangala Dance Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Balphakram National Park, Tura Water Falls, Nehru Park, Eco Park, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 12-13,000 for its visit to
the destination while Wangala Dance Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
8%
Shopping at local
market
15% Local travel
5%
Figure 225: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Wangala Dance Festival
During celebration of Wangala Dance Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
32% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
13% 13%
50%
38%
87%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 226: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Wangala Dance Festival
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 87% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
38%
33%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 227: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Wangala Dance Festival
Information by local people or guides, among others, is one of the important sources of
information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 63% of
respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 49: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Wangala Dance Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 17-18,000 for its visit to
the destination while Wangala Dance Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 228: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Wangala
Dance Festival
During celebration of Wangala Dance Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
11% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
India’s first Cherry Blossom festival was held in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya during
14th-17th Nov 2016. The festival has been initiated in order to showcase the rich cultural
heritage of the beautiful state and also depict the unique beauty of cherry blossoms all
across the state.
The festival is celebrated in different countries such as Australia, Japan, Korea and many
more. The various activities include archery, storytelling, fashion show, rock concerts, and
traditional folk music and dance performances along with many other events held during the
four-day long festival.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Cherry Blossom Festival organized in Meghalaya,
around 910 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 390 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 20 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 180 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Cherry Blossom Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Cherry Blossom Festival is around 45% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
103
Image source: http://e-
pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2016.India_First_Cherry_Blosso
m_Festival_launched_at_Shillong_20161115
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 2%
15%
20%
39%
16%
78%
29%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 230: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Cherry Blossom Festival
While 39%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 78% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
39%
Percentage of respondents
28%
25%
21%
21%
21%
19%
13%
3%
3%
3%
3%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 231: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Cherry Blossom Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 39% of respondents, word of mouth from friends, family or peers is the most
important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 50: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Cherry Blossom Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Shillong Peak, Cherrapunjee , Laitumkhrah Cathedral, Elephant fall, Don Bosco Museum,
etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 12,000 for its visit to the
destination while Cherry Blossom Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
15%
Figure 232: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Cherry
Blossom Festival
During celebration of Cherry Blossom Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
21% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
The traditional dance festival celebrated in Meghalaya is one of the major festivals
celebrated in the state and is majorly celebrated by the inhabitants of Khasi hills. The
festival is characterized by sacrifice of goats and traditional dance performances by boys
and girls. The festival is usually celebrated in the month of November.
The venue for the festival is Smit, which is about 11 kms from the state-capital of Shillong.
The festival is also known as ‘Ka Pomblang’ and main motive is to seek blessings of Goddess
‘Ka Blei Synshar’.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Nongkrem Dance Festival organized in Meghalaya,
around 800 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 510 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 0 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 390 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Nongkrem Dance Festival (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Nongkrem Dance Festival is around 90% for Indian tourists and around 50% for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
104
Image source: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/traditional-nongkrem-dance-festival-
enthrals-visitors-in-meghalaya-4420161/
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3% 1%
6% 6%
14%
26% 8%
3%
30%
18%
31%
28%
25%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 234: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Nongkrem Dance Festival
While 30%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 31% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than one
month before actual travel.
38%
29%
29%
Percentage of respondents
21%
21%
18%
18%
6%
5%
4%
4%
4%
3%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 235: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Nongkrem Dance Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 38% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 51: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Nongkrem Dance Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sister Falls, Wards Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 13-14,000 for its visit to
the destination while Nongkrem Dance Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market Travel to & fro
15% destination
26%
Local travel
14%
Figure 236: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Nongkrem Dance Festival
During celebration of Nongkrem Dance Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
8% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Mizoram
Mizoram, or the land of hill people105, is the 23rd state of India and was formed on 20th
February 1987. It is the fifth smallest state in India with an area of 21,087 square
kilometers. As per 2011 census, the population of Mizoram was just over 1 million people.
Most of the population is comprised of ethnic tribes which are culturally or linguistically
linked. In fact, close to 95% of the people in the state are classified under Scheduled Tribes
(ST). Mizo is the official and most used language. However, English is widely used for
education and governance. Majority of Mizos are Christians, having converted from
Animistic religions in the 20th century.
Administratively, Mizoram is divided into 8 districts with Aizawl as its capital. Other districts
are Lunglei, Champhai, Lawngtlai, Mamit, Kolasib, Serchhip and Saiha. Close to 60% of the
state’s working population is annually deployed on agriculture.
In 2014, close to 70,000 tourists visited Mizoram of which just over 1% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR106) of around 3.8% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics107 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
105
Mi (people) + Zo (belonging to Mizoram / Lushai Hills) + Ram (Land)
106
Compounded annual growth rate
107
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
836
800 798
80,000 731 744 800
Number of domestic tourists
20,000 200
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 238: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Mizoram from 2009 to 2015
Mizoram has contributed to 0.01% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009
to 2015.
For the purpose of this report, Thalfavang Kut (10-12 Dec 2015) has been covered.
Thalfavang Kut
Thalfavang Kut is one of the most important festivals in Mizoram and is celebrated when the
weeding of farmlands, to make them suitable for harvesting activities, is completed. Tribal
groups from across the state participate in the cultural events organized during the festival.
The event also provides the state’s tribal communities to showcase their talents.
In the year 2015-16, the festival was organized from 10th to 12th December 2015.
It is estimated that in the 2015 edition of Thalfavang Kut organized in Mizoram, around 570
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 30 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations
such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible number of foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Thalfavang Kut (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those
who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated
that the increase in tourist inflow due to Thalfavang Kut is around 7% for Indian tourists
and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
108
Image source: https://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/posts/30Nov2012/hmuifang4_1354272686.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
15% 9% 15%
9% 9%
2%
17%
50%
74%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 240: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Thalfavang Kut
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 74% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
34%
Percentage of respondents
26%
21%
19%
19%
19%
14%
13%
11%
7%
6%
5%
3%
2%
2%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 241: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Thalfavang Kut
Television advertisement, among others, is one of the important sources of information for
the tourists. However, for 34% of respondents, word of mouth from friends, family or peers
is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 52: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Thalfavang Kut
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Durtlang, Zarkawt, Millenium Centre, Bara Bazar, Khatla Shiva Mandir, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 12-13,000 for its visit to
the destination while Thalfavang Kut was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
11%
Figure 242: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Thalfavang Kut
During celebration of Thalfavang Kut, a typical family is expected to spend around 14%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
100% 100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 243: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Thalfavang Kut
While 100%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 1 to 2
months before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
67%
33%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 244: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Thalfavang Kut
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 100%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 53: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Thalfavang Kut
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 15-16,000 for its visit to
the destination while Thalfavang Kut was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local
travel
14%
Figure 245: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during
Thalfavang Kut
During celebration of Thalfavang Kut, a typical family is expected to spend around 20%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Nagaland
Nagaland is situated on the easternmost region of India. One of the seven sister states of
India, Nagaland is covered mostly by high-altitude mountains. Nagaland emerged as State,
out of the Naga Hills district of Assam and NEFA province, in 1963. It has an area of 16,579
square kilometres, making it one of the smallest states of India.
It is famous internationally due to World War II, because it was here that the Japanese
advance was halted by British and Indian troops. Some key tourism destinations in state are
World War II Cemetery, State Museum and Kohima Village.
The state's population is 1.978 million as per the census of 2011. It is inhabited by 16 major
tribes with each tribe unique in their customs, language and dress. However two things are
common to all tribes; language and religion. English is in predominant use which is also the
official language of the state. Nagaland is one of three states in India where the population
is mostly Christian out of which 88% are Christians.
The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Nagaland was about ₹12065 crore in 2011-
12. Nagaland's GSDP grew at CAGR of 9.9% for a decade which is one of the fastest in the
region. Nagaland has a high literacy rate of 80.1 per cent. Majority of the population in the
state speaks English.
Nagaland is known in India as the land of festivals. The diversity of people and tribes, each
with their own culture and heritage, creates a year-long atmosphere of celebrations.
In 2014, over 62,000 tourists visited Nagaland of which around 6.3% tourists were foreign.
Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR109) of more than 22% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics110 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
58,413
56,000 4,000
Number of domestic tourists
2,769
25,391 2,489 35,638
28,000 2,000
20,953 21,094 2,080
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 247: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Nagaland from 2009 to 2015
Nagaland’s contribution to total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009 to 2015 has
been very low due to its small size.
For the purpose of report, Hornbill Festival (1-10 Dec 2016) has been covered.
109
Compounded annual growth rate
110
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill festival is celebrated every year in the first week of December, in Nagaland.
The festival is named after the Indian hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird. Hornbill
Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the
tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The Hornbill Festival provides a colourful
mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious
ceremonies. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and
display its extravaganza and traditions.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Hornbill Festival organized in Nagaland, around at
least 690 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 590 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 90 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 470 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
90 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Hornbill Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents;
i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is
estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Hornbill Festival is around 86% for
Indian tourists and around 106% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
111
Image source: https://blog.goibibo.com/2014/12/hornbill-festival/
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3% 1% 1%
12% 4% 4%
3% 14%
7%
53%
18%
80%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 249: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Hornbill Festival
While 53%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 80% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
38%
Percentage of respondents
29%
28%
27%
26%
19%
18%
6%
3%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 250: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Hornbill Festival
Hoarding, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 38% of respondents, newspaper is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 54: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Hornbill Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include World
War 2 Cemetry, Kohima Village, Cathedral, Science College, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 21-22,000 for its visit to
the destination while Hornbill Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 5%
(incl. fair ticket)
13%
Local travel
3%
Figure 251: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Hornbill Festival
During celebration of Hornbill Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 15%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
4%
21% 25% 13%
38%
17% 25%
21%
13% 4% 17% 4%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 252: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Hornbill Festival
While 25%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination more than 6
months before actual travel, 38% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
38%
18%
17%
12%
8%
8%
5%
4%
4%
4%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 253: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Hornbill Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 79% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 55: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Hornbill Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 4 – 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 1.2 – 1.3 Lacs for its visit
to the destination while Hornbill Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 254: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Hornbill
Festival
Odisha
Odisha is situated on the coast along the Bay of Bengal. The state has an area of 155,707
square kilometres and a coastline of 450 km. It is the 9th largest state by area, and the
11th largest by population. The ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which was invaded by the
Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 261 BCE resulting in the Kalinga War, coincides with the
borders of modern-day Odisha.
According to the 2011 census of India, the total population of Odisha is 41,947,358. The
dominant ethnic group is the Odia people, and Odia is the official language; it is spoken as a
native language by 81.8% of the population. Odia belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the
Indo-European language family, and is closely related to Bengali and Assamese.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes form 16.53% and 22.13% of the state population,
constituting 38.66% of the State population. The majority, over 94% of people in the state
of Odisha are Hindu and there is also a rich cultural heritage in the state.
Odisha is mainly known for its rich culture and the enormous number of ancient temples.
The temples of Odisha conform to the Indo Aryan Nagara style of architecture, with
distinctive features specific to this region. The best known of these are the Lingaraja Temple
at Bhubaneswar, Jagannath Temple, Puri and the Konark Sun Temple.
In 2014, more than 10 million tourists visited Odisha of which more than 0.65% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR112) of around 9.4% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics113 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
112
Compounded annual growth rate
50,432
50,00,000 45,684 40,000
25,00,000 20,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 256: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Odisha from 2009 to 2015
Odisha has contributed to close to 1% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the report, following fairs /festivals have been covered:
Konark Festival (1-5 Dec 2016)
Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav (6-8 Feb 2016)
Toshali National Crafts Mela (15-27 Dec 2016)
113
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
114
Image source: http://www.enewsinsight.com/odisha-insight/dhauli-kalinga-mahotsav-enters-4th-day/
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 2%
7% 7%
30% 10% 9%
41%
17% 16%
16%
18% 6% 18%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 258: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
While 30%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 41% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
35%
34%
33%
Percentage of respondents
26%
24%
19%
16%
6%
4%
2%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 259: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 35% of respondents, television advertisement is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 56: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli, Konark, Puri, Khandagiri, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 20-21,000 for its visit to
the destination while Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground
5%
(incl. fair ticket)
9%
Shopping at
local market
21%
Local travel
10%
Figure 260: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Dhauli-
Kalinga Mahotsav
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
14%
29% 29% 29%
14%
14% 14%
29% 29%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 261: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
While 29%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination more than 6
months before actual travel, 29% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. more
than 6 months before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
37%
29%
26%
16%
14%
11%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 262: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 57% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 57: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 5 – 6 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 70-75,000 for its visit to
the destination while Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
17%
Travel to & fro
destination
38%
Local travel
7%
Figure 263: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Dhauli-
Kalinga Mahotsav
Konark Dance Festival is a dance festival held every year in December in backdrop of the
Sun temple in Konark, Odisha in India. . It started in the year 1986 at Konark Natya
Mandap by its Founder-Director Padmashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. The event is held in
an Open Air Auditorium with the temple as the backdrop, showcase a magical parade of
India’s classical and traditional dance forms. The sole aim behind this festival is to bring in
many artistes into its cultural family and to create international cultural amity and
brotherhood.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Konark Festival organized in Odisha, around 2690
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 2430 were Indian tourists whereas there
were 50 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, around 1210 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and 40 foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Konark Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those
who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated
that the increase in tourist inflow due to Konark Festival is around 50% for Indian tourists
and around 76% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
115
Image source: http://www.theholidayindia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Edit-6.jpg
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
1% 3% 2%
12% 11%
16%
12%
26%
55%
18%
20%
24%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 265: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Konark Dance Festival
While 26%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 55% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
33%
31%
29%
28%
26%
Percentage of respondents
17%
12%
11%
5%
3%
3%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 266: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Konark Dance Festival
Television advertisement, among others, is one of the important sources of information for
the tourists. However, for 33% of respondents, internet is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 58: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Konark Dance Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Puri,
Chandrabhaga, Bhubhaneshwar, Dhauli, Ram Chandi, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 11-12,000 for its visit to
the destination while Konark Dance Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 3%
(incl. fair ticket)
10%
Travel to & fro
Shopping at local destination
market 20%
9%
Local travel
15%
Figure 267: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Konark
Dance Festival
During celebration of Konark Dance Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
11% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
10% 10%
10% 30% 10%
10%
20% 60%
40%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 268: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Konark Dance Festival
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 60% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 2 to 3 months
before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
40%
20%
20%
17%
17%
17%
10%
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 269: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Konark Dance Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 40% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 59: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Konark Dance Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 6 – 7 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 3 – 4 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 2.6 – 2.7 Lacs for its visit
o the destination while Konark Dance Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
During celebration of Konark Dance Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
2% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The festival is held in order to encourage artisans, weavers and painters from all over India
to display their work to other people and in order to support economically weaker artisans
to provide them a platform to create a market for their artistic work.
The festival is organized by the Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts department of the
state-government and is held in the capital city of Bhubaneshwar. The 11th edition of the
festival was organized from December 15th-27th at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneshwar. The
festival also invites famous singers from the Bollywood as well to attract and entertain the
visitors.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Toshali National Crafts Mela organized in Odisha,
around 6970 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 2940 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 120 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 490 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
90 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Toshali National Crafts Mela (the rest of fair visitors being
local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than
300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Toshali National Crafts
Mela is around 17% for Indian tourists and around 75% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
116
Image source: http://101bhubaneswar.com/2014/12/21/toshali-national-crafts-mela-2014/
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3% 5% 3% 2%
8%
13%
14%
36%
14%
22%
26%
24% 11% 18%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 272: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Toshali National Crafts Mela
While 26%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 36% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
25%
24%
23%
18%
16%
13%
8%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 273: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Toshali National Crafts Mela
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 32% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 60: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Toshali National Crafts Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Konark, Lingaraj Temple, Chandrabhaga, Khandagiri, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 27-28,000 for its visit to
the destination while Toshali National Crafts Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
5%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
16%
Travel to & fro
destination
21%
Shopping at local
market
14%
Boarding & lodging
34%
Local travel
10%
Figure 274: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Toshali
National Crafts Mela
During celebration of Toshali National Crafts Mela, a typical family is expected to spend
around 19% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not
being celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
14% 14%
29% 29%
14% 14%
14% 14%
29% 29%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 275: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Toshali National Crafts Mela
While 29%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 29% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than one
month before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
29%
29%
24%
18%
18%
6%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 276: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Toshali National Crafts Mela
Hoarding, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 71% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 61: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Toshali National Crafts Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 6 – 7 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 1.05 – 1.10 Lacs for its
visit to the destination while Toshali National Crafts Mela was being organized. Subsequent
chart provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 277: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Toshali
National Crafts Mela
During celebration of Toshali National Crafts Mela, a typical family is expected to spend
around 7% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not
being celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Puducherry
Puducherry 117 formerly known as Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India. It was formed
out of four exclaves of former French settlement that comprised Pondy, Yanam, Karaikal,
and Mahe. It is named after the largest district Puducherry. Puducherry and Karaikal have
the largest areas and population, and are both enclaves of Tamil Nadu. Yanam and Mahe
are enclaves of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala respectively.
Puducherry is the 29th most populous and the third most densely populated state/UT in
India. Unlike in other parts of India, agriculture is not the largest source of occupation in the
UT. It forms around 25% of employment. The remaining 75% of the employment are
predominantly from services and marginally from industries.
The main languages spoken in the Union Territory of Pondicherry are Tamil (in Pondicherry
and Karaikal), Telugu (in Yanam) and Malayalam (in Mahe), apart from French, which
continues to be spoken by large population. Hinduism is the major religion with 87% of the
population adhering to it. Other religions include Christianity (6.2%) and Islam (6%)
Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist spots for national and foreign tourists.
Puducherry was the residence of Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) and the Sri Aurobindo
117
Pondicherry has been derived from the Tamil word Puducheri signifying 'the new settlement'.
Ashram still operates from Puducherry. A unique experimental city Auroville, the brainchild
of the Mother, whose inhabitants are drawn from all parts of the world, is situated on the
outskirts of the city.
In 2014, close 1.27 million tourists visited Puducherry of which just over 7% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 118) of 7% since 2009. Subsequent chart shows
the tourism statistics119 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
10,00,277
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 279: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Puducherry from 2009 to 2015
Puducherry has contributed to 0.1% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009
to 2015.
For the purpose of the report, following fairs / festivals have been covered:
International Yoga Festival (4-7 Jan 2016)
Liberation Day (1st Nov 2016)
118
Compounded annual growth rate
119
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
The Government of Pondicherry conducts an annual international Yoga festival from January
4th-7th every year. This festival attracts Yogis and Yoginis from the world over and aims to
develop the conscious process at all levels-physical, mental, emotional and spiritual-and
completeness in every aspect of life. The program consists of workshops on different topics
such as Yoga and Yogasana competitions for people of varied age groups for men as well as
women, Lecture/Demonstrations and Cultural Program.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
120
Image source:
https://www.google.co.in/search?q=International+Yoga+Festival,+PONDICHERRY&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=623&s
ource=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjfiom094TNAhUDj5QKHSV7A-
UQ_AUIBygC#imgrc=PxOr_LAK0CX1wM%3A
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
1%
70% 88%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 281: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of International Yoga Festival
While 70%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 88% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than 15
days before actual travel.
93%
Percentage of respondents
25%
25%
24%
24%
4%
3%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 282: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
International Yoga Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 92% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 62: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of International Yoga Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Lord
Ganesha Temple, Sacred Heart Church, Aurobindo Ashram, Botanical Garden, Managala
Vinayagar Temple, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 5,000 for its visit to the
destination while International Yoga Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
10%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
12% Travel to & fro
destination
21%
Shopping at local
market
13%
Boarding & lodging
37%
Local travel
7%
Figure 283: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
International Yoga Festival
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
17%
50% 50%
83%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 284: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of International Yoga Festival
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 83% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than 15
days before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
28%
28%
19%
19%
17%
5%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 285: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
International Yoga Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 83% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 63: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of International Yoga Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 30-35,000 for its visit to
the destination while International Yoga Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
Local travel 11%
3%
Figure 286: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during
International Yoga Festival
Liberation Day
This is celebrated on November 1st in the Union Territory of Puducherry. This marks the
independence of the day when all the elected members of the union territory voted against
the existing French rule and decided to join India.
The region celebrates this as the liberation day since 2014 and August 16th as its
independence day. The festival includes hoisting of the Indian National Flag in the presence
of eminent leaders of the region. The freedom fighters are also felicitated by the Chief
Minister of the Union Territory.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Liberation Day organized in Puducherry, around
18890 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 16670 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 560 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 560 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
560 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Liberation Day (the rest of fair visitors being local residents;
i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is
estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Liberation Day is around 3% for Indian
tourists and around 100% for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
121
Image source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/puducherry-celebrates-liberation-
day/article7832066.ece
Punjab
Punjab is a North Indian state bordered by the states of Jammu and Kashmir to the north,
Himachal Pradesh to the east, Haryana to the south and southeast, Rajasthan to the
southwest, and the Pakistani province of Punjab to the west. The state capital is Chandigarh
which is a Union Territory and also the capital of the neighbouring state Haryana. Punjab
means "the land of five rivers". The five rivers are the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and
Jhelum.
The history of Punjab goes back to the years of partition in 1947. In 1947, after the
partition, the Punjab province of British India was divided between India and Pakistan. The
Indian Punjab was divided in 1966 with the formation of the new states of Haryana and
Himachal Pradesh alongside the current state of Punjab.
Punjab is mainly a Sikh majority state – Sikhism and Hinduism are the predominant faiths in
Punjab followed by around 58% and 39% of the population respectively. Population as per
2011 census was 27,704,236. The state is divided into 22 districts.
The official language is Punjabi followed by Hindi and English. Some other regional
languages are Majhi, Malwai, Dogri, and Bagri. Punjab celebrates a number of festivals
throughout the year. Some of the festivals are Bandi Chhor Divas, Mela Maghi, Hola
Mohalla,Rakhri, Vaisakhi, Lohri, Teeyan and Basant.
In 2014, close to 25 million tourists visited Punjab of which just over 1% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 122) of around 35% since 2009. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics123 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
2,42,367
1,05,83,509
60,00,000 60,000
53,69,995
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 289: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Punjab from 2009 to 2015
Punjab has contributed to around 1.7% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of this report, following fairs / festivals have been covered:
Makar Sankranti / Maghi Mela (12-14 Jan 2016)
Kila Raipur Rural Sports Festival (5-7 Feb 2016)
122
Compounded annual growth rate
123
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Kila Raipur Sports Festival, popularly known as the Rural Olympics, is held annually in Kila
Raipur in Punjab, India. In February each year, Ludhiana becomes the destination for
hundreds of sports enthusiasts, including foreigners. The three-day event is a celebration of
rural life in India's farming land and has taken place every year since 1933. The festival has
become an international hit for its more unusual sports categories. Categories include
holding bicycles in teeth and pulling vehicles with hair. Bullocks, camels, dogs and other
animals also compete in their own events.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Festival organized in
Punjab, around 1630 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 0 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Kila Raipur Rural Sports
Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the
fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist
inflow due to Kila Raipur Rural Sports Festival is negligible for Indian tourists and negligible
for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
124
Image source: http://kheltrishna.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bullock-cart-4.jpg
Maghi Mela
Mela Maghi, held at the holy city of Sri Muktsar Sahib each year in January. It is one of the
most important melas (fairs) of India and the most important of all religiously significant
gatherings of the Sikhs. The Maghi fair is held to honour the memory of the forty Sikh
warriors killed during the Battle of Muktsar in 1705 while fighting for Guru Gobind Singh
against the Mughals.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Maghi Mela organized in Punjab, around 200
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 180 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations
such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible number of foreign
tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the destination
specifically to visit Maghi Mela (the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who
had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that
the increase in tourist inflow due to Maghi Mela is negligible for Indian tourists and
negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
125
Image source: http://www.bt.com.bn/news-asia/2014/01/13/indian-sikh-warriors-four-horse-ride
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
5% 5%
21% 11%
53% 42%
63%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 292: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Maghi Mela
While 63%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 53% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
42%
42%
37%
Percentage of respondents
21%
16%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 293: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Maghi Mela
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 42% of respondents, word of mouth from friends, family or peers is the most
important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 64: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Maghi Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Govt
College, Muktesar Sahib Gurudwara, Bhatinda, Malout Road, Kotakpur Road, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 19-20,000 for its visit to
the destination while Maghi Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
3%
Boarding & lodging
37%
Figure 294: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Maghi
Mela
During celebration of Maghi Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around 21%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is the largest state in India. It is located on the north-western side of the
country, The state comprises of Thar Desert and shares a border with the Pakistani
provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west, Punjab to the north; Haryana
and Uttar Pradesh to the northeast; Madhya Pradesh to the southeast; and Gujarat to the
southwest.
Rajasthan was formed on 30 March 1949 when the state was merged into the Dominion of
India. Its capital and largest city is Jaipur, also known as Pink City, located on the state's
eastern side. Other important cities are Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kota, and Ajmer.
The Population in Rajasthan till 2015 stands at 73,529,325. Rajasthani language is the main
language in Rajasthan. Marwari is mostly spoken in Jodhpur division or Thar Desert area.
Rajasthan represents one of the most historical places in India. Apart from various forts and
museums covering the entire state, some other major features in Rajasthan are Indus
Valley Civilization at Kalibanga; Dilwara Temples which is a Jain pilgrimage site at Mount
Abu, the Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur which is a World Heritage Site known for its
bird life. Rajasthan is also home to two national tiger reserves, the Ranthambore National
Park in Sawai Madhopur and Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar.
Rajasthan is culturally very rich. Classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part
of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music has songs that depict day-to-day
relationships and chores, often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds.
Some of the main religious festivals are Deepawali, Holi, Gangaur, Teej, Gogaji, Shri
Devnarayan Jayanti, Makar Sankranti and Janmashtami.
In 2014, more than 34 million tourists visited Rajasthan of which around 4.6% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 126) of around 5.4% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics127 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
2,55,58,691 2,55,43,877
10,73,414
1,52,00,000 8,00,000
76,00,000 4,00,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 296: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Rajasthan from 2009 to 2015
Rajasthan has contributed to around 3% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the study, following fairs/festivals have been covered:
1. Bikaner Camel Festival; organized on 9th and 10th January 2016
2. Desert Festival; organized from 19th to 23rd February 2016
3. Mahaveerji Festival; organized from 15th to 17th April 2016
4. Mewar Festival; organized from 9th to 11th April 2016
5. Rajasthan Summer Festival; organized on 20th and 21st May 2016
126
Compounded annual growth rate
127
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Bikaner Camel Festival is a yearly event in January that Bikaner celebrates in honor of the
ship of the desert, Camel. It is a two day festival. The festival starts off with a colorful
parade of beautifully adorned camels against the backdrop of majestic Junagarh Fort. The
event mainly includes camel performances like camel dances, camel races, neck shaking
camel rides etc. The traditional Rajasthani folk dance, fire Dance and puppet shows add
largely to the charm of this festival.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Bikaner Camel Festival organized in Rajasthan,
around 2000 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1990 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 10 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 1170 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
10 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Bikaner Camel Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Bikaner Camel Festival is
around 62% for Indian tourists and around 100% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
128
Image source: http://insightsindia.blogspot.in/2013/01/bikaner-camel-festival.html
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 2%
8% 5%
23%
10%
26% 30%
93%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 298: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Bikaner Camel Festival
While 30%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 93% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
53%
43%
Percentage of respondents
32%
26%
24%
14%
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 299: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Bikaner Camel Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 53% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 65: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Bikaner Camel Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Junagadh, Deshnak, Karnimata Temple, Bikaner fort, Kolayat, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 15,000 for its visit to the
destination while Bikaner Camel Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
10%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
11%
Travel to & fro
destination
24%
Shopping at
local market
17%
Figure 300: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Bikaner Camel Festival
During celebration of Bikaner Camel Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
12% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
40%
20%
40% 40%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 301: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Bikaner Camel Festival
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 40% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than one
month before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
45%
36%
18%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 302: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Bikaner Camel Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 100% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 66: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Bikaner Camel Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 2 Lacs for its visit to the
destination while Bikaner Camel Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
9%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
10%
Shopping at local
market Travel to & fro
11% destination
41%
Local travel
6%
Boarding & lodging
23%
Figure 303: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Bikaner
Camel Festival
During celebration of Bikaner Camel Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
11% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Desert Festival
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual event organized every year in the month of
February at Golden Desert City of Jaisalmer. The three-day festival is celebrated amidst the
beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert. The festival commences with a procession in the
morning from the Jaisalmer Fort to the Shahid Poonam Singh Stadium. Dances, music,
handicraft fairs and interesting competitions- including really unusual ones like a 'Mr Desert'
pageant, a 'turban-tying' contest and a 'best moustache' contest are the major flair of the
event.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Desert Festival organized in Rajasthan, around
3970 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 3600 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 70 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 2830 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
60 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Desert Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents;
i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is
estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Desert Festival is around 79% for Indian
tourists and around 86% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
129
Image source: http://www.rajasthanvisit.com/Desert-Festival.htm
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2%
11% 6% 4%
7%
5% 13%
17%
15% 55%
28%
8%
7%
23%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 305: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Desert Festival
While 28%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 55% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
45%
44%
Percentage of respondents
29%
20%
17%
17%
13%
6%
5%
3%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 306: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Desert Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 45% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 67: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Desert Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Golden Fort, Gadsisar Lake, Patwa Haveli, Desert Village, Sam Sand Dunes, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 15-16,000 for its visit to
the destination while Desert Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
8%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
13%
Local travel
6% Boarding & lodging
29%
Figure 307: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Desert
Festival
During celebration of Desert Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 15%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 308: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Desert Festival
While 25%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 2 to 3 months
before actual travel, 25% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 3 to 6 months
before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
25%
20%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 309: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Desert Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 75% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 68: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Desert Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 1.7 – 1.8 Lacs for its visit
to the destination while Desert Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 2%
(incl. fair ticket)
11%
Shopping at local
market
17%
Figure 310: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Desert
Festival
During celebration of Desert Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 12%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Mahaveerji Festival
Mahaveerji Fair is one of the most celebrated festivals in Rajasthan. The celebration is
mainly held in honor of the 24th Jain saint, Shri Mahavir Swami. The fair is structured in
Chandan Gaon, located about 176 kms away from Jaipur. The fair is celebrated with great
zeal by the Jain community specifically by Digamber Jains. The major attraction of the
festival is the Rath Yatra, the image of the deity is taken to the bank of river Gambhiri in a
golden chariot for Kalash Abhishek.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
130
Image source: http://shrimahaveerji.com/FullImage/Events5.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
1% 2% 1% 2%
7% 7%
8% 7%
40% 39%
22% 23%
20% 21%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 312: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mahaveerji Festival
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 39% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
89%
Percentage of respondents
36%
27%
19%
15%
11%
2%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 313: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Mahaveerji Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 89% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 69: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Mahaveerji Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Mahavir Temple, Shantinath Temple, Kamal Temple, Krishan Bai Temple, Gwala Temple,
etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 6,100 – 6,200 for its visit
to the destination while Mahaveerji Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
8%
Figure 314: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Mahaveerji Festival
During celebration of Mahaveerji Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 25%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Mewar Festival
Mewar festival is observed to welcome the arrival of spring season coinciding with the
festival of Gangaur, which is of great significance for the women of Rajasthan. Mewar
Festival is of great significance both culturally and religiously. A procession of colorfully
attired women carrying the images of the goddess Gauri makes their way to the lake
Pichola. An unusual procession of boats on the lake offers a fitting finale to this splendid
celebration. Cultural events during the festival reveal the traditional Rajasthan culture
through singing, dancing and drama.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Mewar Festival organized in Rajasthan, around
9560 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 11680 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 420 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 11660 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
410 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Mewar Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local residents;
i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is
estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Mewar Festival is around 133% for
Indian tourists and around 125% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
131
Image source: http://www.udaipurblog.com/awaited-mewar-festival-an-euphoric-celebration-of-gangaur.html
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
4% 1% 4%
15% 5% 16%
12%
11%
16%
28%
24%
41%
22%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 316: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mewar Festival
While 41%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 28% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than 15
days before actual travel.
69%
Percentage of respondents
36%
29%
23%
11%
11%
10%
6%
4%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 317: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Mewar Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 69% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 70: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Mewar Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Jagdish Temple, Pichila Lake, City Place, Fateh Sagar Jhil, Gulab Bagh, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 19-20,000 for its visit to
the destination while Mewar Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 7%
(incl. fair ticket)
10%
Figure 318: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Mewar
Festival
During celebration of Mewar Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 11%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for foreign tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when foreign
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
10% 10%
20% 20%
10%
20%
20%
30%
40% 20%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 319: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mewar Festival
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 30% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than one month before actual travel.
Graphic subsequently shows various sources used by foreign tourists to gather information
about the destination as well as fairs/festivals. It also shows the most important or trusted
source of information.
56%
17%
11%
11%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 320: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during
Mewar Festival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 100% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 71: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by foreign tourists during
celebration of Mewar Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 1.60 – 1.65 Lacs for its
visit to the destination while Mewar Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
15%
Local travel
4% Travel to & fro
destination
47%
Boarding & lodging
24%
Figure 321: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Mewar
Festival
During celebration of Mewar Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 11%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Rajasthan Summer Festival is organized and celebrated in the only hill station of Rajasthan,
Mount Abu. It is held annually in the Hindu month of Aashadh (May or June) on Budh
Poornima. Summer festival in Mount Abu, a two-day festival is basically a feast of folk and
classical music and it gives a vivid knowledge about the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan.
Mount Abu Summer Festival commences with the singing of a ballad which is followed by
folk dances. Rowing competition at the Nakki Lake is the most famous and the most awaited
event of this festival.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Summer Festival organized in Rajasthan, around
1670 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1590 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 1560 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Summer Festival (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Summer Festival is around 98% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 1% 1% 1%
1% 8% 9%
43% 49%
45% 39%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 322: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Rajasthan Summer Festival
While 45%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 49% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
31%
26%
25%
17%
16%
13%
3%
2%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 323: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Rajasthan Summer Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 64% of respondents, internet is the most important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 72: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Rajasthan Summer Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Nakki
Lake, Dilwara Mandir, Sunset Point, Polo Ground, Achalgarh Fort, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 17-18,000 for its visit to
the destination while Rajasthan Summer Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 4%
(incl. fair ticket)
14%
Local travel
4%
Boarding & lodging
35%
Figure 324: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Rajasthan Summer Festival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Sikkim
Sikkim lies in the north eastern part of India and is entirely situated in the Himalayan
mountains. The state is bordered by Nepal to the west, Tibet in the north and east, Bhutan
to the east and West Bengal lies to the south.
Sikkim was the last state to give up its monarchy and fully integrate into India, in 1975. In
1947, a popular vote had rejected Sikkim's joining the Indian Union. But in 1975, it joined
Indian union by a referendum in which 97.5 per cent of voters supported the move.
Sikkim is geographically very diverse due to its location in the Himalayas and third largest
peak in the world, the Kangchenjunga is located on Sikkim's border with Nepal. Sikkim is a
popular tourist destination because of its scenery and biodiversity. The capital city of Sikkim
is Gangtok. 25% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Population according to 2011 census is 607,688. Around 82% percent of the population is
literate. There are around 11 languages spoken in Sikkim viz. Sikkimese, Hindi, Lepcha,
Tamang, Limbu, Newari, Rai,Gurung, Magar, Sunwar and English. Major religions followed
here are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism.
Some major festivals celebrated here are Maghe Sankranti and Bhimsen Puja. Some other
local festivals are Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Teshi and Bhumchu which
are among the Buddhist festivals celebrated in Sikkim.
In 2014, close to 611,000 tourists visited Sikkim of which just below 9% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a de-growth (CAGR132) of around 0.7% since 2009. However,
foreign tourist inflow has grown during this period. Subsequent chart shows the tourism
statistics133 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
6,15,628
5,76,749 5,62,418
6,00,000 5,52,453 5,58,538 40,000
Number of domestic tourists
4,50,000 30,000
31,698
26,489
3,00,000 23,602 20,000
20,757
17,730
1,50,000 10,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 326: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Sikkim from 2009 to 2015
Sikkim has contributed to 0.01% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009 to
2015.
For the purpose of the study, two fairs/festivals were covered. These are:
1. Joreythang Maghey Mela; organized from 12 th to 16th January 2016
2. Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav; organized from 14th to 16th April 2016
132
Compounded annual growth rate
133
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Maghe Sankranti, one of the main festivals celebrated by the Nepali community in Sikkim is
among the biggest cultural festivals that attract a major number of people from all
communities. The Maghe Mela in Jorethang is undoubtedly the grandest Mela of them all.
Over the years this Mela has transformed a lot into a traditionally packed tourist attraction
with its religious root intact which is the main origin of this decade old custom.
This mela started in 1961 and was organized for the first time when the volunteers went
from place to place informing people about it. The Nepali Hindu community believes it to be
the great Makar night (the holy night of Lord Shiva), the event is called Makar Sankranti but
the day is called Maghe Sankranti, when the month of Paush (ninth month on the Hindu
lunar calendar) ends and that of Magh (tenth month) starts. During Maghe Sankranti, the
Makar bath is taken in every household, spring or any other source of water, bathing at the
confluences of sacred rivers like Ganga- Yamuna- Saraswati (Sangam at Allahabad) or
Teesta- Rangit at Melli bears special significance, and it is due to this belief that people flock
to these areas.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Jorethang Maghey Mela organized in Sikkim,
around 150 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 20 were Indian tourists whereas
there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business
travellers). Further, around 20 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Jorethang Maghey Mela (the rest of fair visitors being
local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than
300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Jorethang Maghey Mela is
around 83% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
134
Image source: http://southsikkim.nic.in/mapps/Photos/Jorethang%20Maghe%20Mela/7.JPG
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
20% 20%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 328: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Joreythang Maghey Mela
While 60%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination more than 6
months before actual travel, 60% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than a week before actual travel.
100%
Percentage of respondents
60%
40%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 329: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Joreythang Maghey Mela
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for most respondents, hoardings are the most important source is the most
important source of information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 73: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Joreythang Maghey Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 4,200 – 4,300 for its visit
to the destination while Joreythang Maghey Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
9%
Shopping at local
market
14%
Figure 330: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Joreythang Maghey Mela
During celebration of Joreythang Maghey Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around
24% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
This festival is held during end of March and early April during Ramnavmi. Adventure sports,
leisure boating, horse riding, archery completion, treks etc. are orga ized during the fair. It
also offers traditional cultural shows, flower exhibition, local ethnic cuisine etc.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
135
Image source: http://www.nelive.in/sites/default/files/sikkim2.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
16%
23%
33%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 332: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav
While 30%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination more than 6
months before actual travel, 33% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. 3 to 6
months before actual travel.
54%
46%
Percentage of respondents
23%
19%
19%
15%
8%
8%
8%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 333: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 46% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 74: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 1 – 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Aritar
Lake, Lampokhari Lake, Dzuluk, , , etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 48-50,000 for its visit to
the destination while Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav was being organized. Subsequent
chart provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
41% Boarding & lodging
23%
Local travel
8%
Shopping at fair ground Shopping at local
(incl. fair ticket) market
8% 9%
Figure 334: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of India and is bordered by the union territory of
Puducherry and the south Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It is
bounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait on the
southeast and by the Indian Ocean on the south. It also shares a maritime border with Sri
Lanka.
When India became independent in 1947, Madras Presidency became Madras State, which
also comprised of present day Tamil Nadu. The state was subsequently split up along
linguistic lines. In 1969, Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu.
It is the eleventh largest state by area and the seventh most populous state in India.
According to 2011 census, the population of Tamil Nadu stood at 72,147,030. The largest
and capital city of Tamil Nadu is Chennai. It is also one of the top seven developed states in
India based on a report published by RBI. Its official language is Tamil, which is one of the
longest-surviving classical languages in the world.
Tamil is spoken by majority of the population followed by Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
Majority of population follow Hindu religion followed by Muslims and Christians. It is also
one of the most literate states in India having a literacy rate of 80.33%.
In 2014, close to 332 million tourists visited Tamil Nadu of which close to 1.5% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR136) of around 23% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics137 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
39,90,490 33,34,59,047
28,00,00,000 40,00,000
35,61,740 32,75,55,233
Number of domestic tourists
33,73,870
14,00,00,000
18,41,36,840 20,00,000
13,75,12,991
11,57,55,80011,16,37,104
7,00,00,000 10,00,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 336: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Tamil Nadu from 2009 to 2015
Tamil Nadu has contributed to around 20% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India
over 2009 to 2015.
136
Compounded annual growth rate
137
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Mahamakam Festival
Mahamaham is a Hindu festival celebrated every 12 years in the Mahamaham tank located
in the South Indian town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. Hindus consider taking a
holy dip at the Mahamaham tank on the day of Mahamaham as sacred. The last
Mahamaham was celebrated on February 22, 2016 with more than 10 lakh people from
various places taking the holy dip in the Mahamaham tank.
The Masimaham is an annual event that occurs in in kumbakonam in the Tamil month of
Masi (February–March) in the star of Magam which is a very beautiful and ancient and holy
place. Vast crowd of devotees gather at Kumbakonam to have a dip in the tank, along with
saints and holy men. All the rivers of India are believed to meet at the tank on this day and
a purificatory bath at this tank on this day is considered equal to the combined dips in all
the holy rivers of India.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Mahamakam Festival organized in Tamil Nadu,
around 1660 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1250 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 20 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 1210 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
20 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Mahamakam Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Mahamakam Festival is around
96% for Indian tourists and around 100% for foreign tourists.
138
Image source: http://dc-cdn.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/dc-Cover-668m9a6e4cv48b19s0jdp23ge5-
20160223054655.Medi.jpeg
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
7% 14%
21% 7%
11% 14%
11% 54%
11%
14% 29%
7%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 338: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mahamakam Festival
While 29%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 54% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
37%
36%
34%
30%
Percentage of respondents
19%
9%
9%
7%
7%
6%
4%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 339: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Mahamakam Festival
Television advertisement, among others, is one of the important sources of information for
the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 37% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 75: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Mahamakam Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Kumbeswarar Festival, Thirunageswaram, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 31,000 for its visit to the
destination while Mahamakam Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
4%
Figure 340: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Mahamakam Festival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Meenakshi Kalyanam is truly one of the most popular festivals of Madurai that attracts
visitors in large numbers, not only across India but from other counties as well. The annual
festival is celebrated every year at the world-famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai in
observance of the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareshwar (Shiva).
Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival in Madurai is an annual festival that falls in the months of
April – May (Hindu month of Chaitra) and stretches over a period of 12 days. The festival
commences from the second day of the lunar month that is exactly two days after the new
moon.
During the 12-day festival that is widely celebrated across the state of Tamil Nadu,
spectacular images of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva are taken out for processions at
the streets. A large number of locals as well as tourists flock to Madurai during this time to
witness the majestic proceedings. The magnificent temple is adorned as a bride during the
time of Meenakshi Kalyanam festival that adds to the beauty of the already splendid holy
shrine.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Meenakshi Kalyanam organized in Tamil Nadu,
around 3810 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 2020 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 160 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 1320 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
50 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Meenakshi Kalyanam (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Meenakshi Kalyanam is around
65% for Indian tourists and around 30% for foreign tourists.
139
Image source: http://file.inexplores.com/2015/04/Madurai-Meenakshi-Thirukalyanam-2015-Watch-Online-
Meenakshi-Amman-Thirukalyanam.jpg
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3%
17% 3% 6%
40% 9%
9%
6%
6% 14% 88%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 342: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 88% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
34%
Percentage of respondents
27%
23%
20%
11%
10%
9%
6%
6%
5%
3%
3%
3%
2%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 343: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 34% of respondents, television advertisement is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 76: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Alagar Koyil, Rameshwari Temple, Rameshwaram, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 15-16,000 for its visit to
the destination while Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 5%
(incl. fair ticket)
6%
Local travel
8% Boarding & lodging
33%
Figure 344: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Natyanjali Festival
Natyanjali is an annual classical Indian dance festival timed to Shiva Ratri. Originally, was
introduced at the Chidambaram temple, but nowadays also organized at many other
temples in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Chennai, Nagapatinam, Mayavaram, Thirunallar,
Thiruvanaikoil, etc. Natyanjali - Festival of Dance at Chidabaram is known for its serenity
and uniqueness of the devotion of the dancers dedicating their "Natya" (Dance) as "Anjali"
(Offering) and worship to the Lord of Dance - Lord Nataraja.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Natyanjali Festival organized in Tamil Nadu,
around 690 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 500 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 20 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 240 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Natyanjali Festival (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Natyanjali Festival is around 48% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
140
Image source: http://i0.wp.com/brandife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/natyanjali-chidambaram-
e1452671760381.jpg?fit=640%2C427
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
25%
50%
25%
100%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 346: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Natyanjali Festival
While 50%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 100% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
75%
Percentage of respondents
36%
36%
25%
9%
9%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 347: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Natyanjali Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists.
However, for 75% of respondents, television advertisement is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 77: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Natyanjali Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Kumbakonam Temple, Pappireddipatti, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 7,100 – 7,200 for its visit
to the destination while Natyanjali Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
7%
Figure 348: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Natyanjali Festival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Mariamman Teppakulam is a pond which is famous for the celebrations of the Float festival.
The celebrations take place on a full moon night and the pristine water turns colourful as
the temple is lit. The idols of Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareshwarar, the
deities of the Meenakshi Amman Temple come down to the tank in colourful floats,
presenting a mesmerizing sight. Pilgrims across India come to Madurai to participate in the
festival.
The deities are taken in golden palanquins escorted by elaborately decorated elephants and
horses, along with musicians and devotees who sing songs all the way from the main
temple to the lake at the break of dawn. The Madurai Float Festival procession stops on the
bank of the lake and the deities are taken to Mandapam (a make-shift temple raft).
Devotees throng in thousands to offer their prayers, and the cold winter morning seems to
have no effect on their faith.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Teppakulam Float Festival organized in Tamil
Nadu, around 4470 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1390 were Indian
tourists whereas there were 1280 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 210 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
320 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Teppakulam Float Festival (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Teppakulam Float Festival is
around 15% for Indian tourists and around 25% for foreign tourists.
141
Image source: http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/02709/Copy-of-24jan_t_MA_2709821f.jpg
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
100%
100%
Percentage of respondents
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 350: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Teppakulam Float Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 100%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 78: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Teppakulam Float Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 1 day
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 1 day
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 6,000 for its visit to the
destination while Teppakulam Float Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Figure 351: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Teppakulam Float Festival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
The three-day annual flower show is a major tourist attraction during the month-long
summer festival in hill resort town of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The Summer Festival in Ooty
include many interesting fairs and carnivals like the Flower Show, floral arrangements,
vegetable carvings, flower rangoli etc. A large variety of flowers are displayed and
decorated in this festival.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Ooty Flower Festival organized in Tamil Nadu,
around 11680 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 11050 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 4020 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Ooty Flower Festival (the rest
of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Ooty
Flower Festival is around 36% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
142
Image source: http://im.hunt.in/cg/ooty/City-Guide/Flower-Show-Of-Ooty.jpg
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
5% 14%
19%
29%
14%
48%
48% 24%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 353: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Ooty Flower Festival
While 48%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination 1 to 2 months
before actual travel, 48% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than 15
days before actual travel.
62%
Percentage of respondents
43%
38%
35%
18%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 354: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Ooty Flower Festival
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 62% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 79: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Ooty Flower Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Doddabetta, Pykara Boat House, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 18-19,000 for its visit to
the destination while Ooty Flower Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Shopping at local
market
11%
Travel to & fro
destination
Local travel 30%
8%
Figure 355: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Ooty
Flower Festival
During celebration of Ooty Flower Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around 9%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Sarai Vizha
This festival is usually celebrated in the month of August to show respect to the numerous
waterfalls in the state with the feeling that the waterfalls have some magical powers. The
festival is celebrated in the Kuttalam region of the southern state.
The Courtallam waterfalls are believed to have medicinal properties which help in smooth
functioning of the human body and also bringing a feeling of peace and prosperity.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Sarai Vizha organized in Tamil Nadu, around 1140
visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day during the
time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1120 were Indian tourists whereas there
were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign business travellers).
Further, around 660 Indian tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and negligible
number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came
to the destination specifically to visit Sarai Vizha (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Sarai Vizha is around 59% for
Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
143
Image source: http://www.tamilnadutourism.org/places/courtallam-images/courtallam-mainfalls.jpg
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
43%
29%
43% 43%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 357: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Sarai Vizha
While 43%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than one
month before actual travel, 43% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less
than 15 days before actual travel.
100%
Percentage of respondents
75%
25%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 358: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Sarai Vizha
Television advertisement, among others, is one of the important sources of information for
the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 100% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 80: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Sarai Vizha
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 13-14,000 for its visit to
the destination while Sarai Vizha was being organized. Subsequent chart provides average
break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
4%
Shopping at local
market Local travel
6% 4%
Figure 359: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Sarai
Vizha
During celebration of Sarai Vizha, a typical family is expected to spend around 49%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Telangana
Telangana lies in the southern part of India. It is bordered by the states of Maharashtra to
the north and North-west, Chhattisgarh to the North, Odisha to the north east, Karnataka to
the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the east and south. The capital city of Telangana is
Hyderabad. Some other major cities are Warangal, Nizamabad and Karimnagar.
In February 2014, Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 bill was passed by the
Parliament of India for the formation of Telangana state comprising ten districts from north-
western Andhra Pradesh. The bill received the assent of the President and published in the
Gazette on 1 March 2014.
It is 12th largest state in India and 12th most populous state. According to 2011 census,
the population stands at 35,193,978. The religious makeup of Telangana is about 85%
Hindu, 12.7% Muslim, and 1.3% Christians. About 77% of the population of Telangana
speak Telugu, 12% speak Urdu and 13% speak other languages.
Telangana culture combines customs from Persian traditions, embedded during rule by the
Moghuls, Qutub Shahis and Nizams, with south Indian traditions and customs. The state is
also known for religious pilgrimage due to presence of large number of famous temples.
Some local festivals are Bonalu in Hyderabad, Batukamma all over Telangana districts,
Yedupayala Jatara in Medak, Sammakka Saralamma in Warangal district.
In 2014, close to 72.5 million tourists visited Telangana of which just over 0.1% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR 144) of around 2.8% since145 2009.
Subsequent chart shows the tourism statistics146 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
8,23,10,790
8,00,00,000 7,23,99,113 4,00,000
Number of domestic tourists
5,40,84,367
4,00,00,000 2,00,000
2,02,648
1,83,829
1,66,075
1,53,966
2,00,00,000 1,26,078 1,00,000
75,171
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 361: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Telangana from 2009 to 2015
Telangana has contributed to 6.76% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over
2009 to 2015.
No information was provided on fairs & festivals by the Telangana administration. Also,
there is no confirmation as to which fair / festival will be covered by Andhra Pradesh
government and which by Telangana government. Substitute fairs / festivals have been
covered as per Annexure B.
144
Compounded annual growth rate
145
India Tourism Statistics publishes separate data for Telangana since 2013. For the purpose of current
representation, for 2009 to 2012, total tourist inflow has been divided among Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the
same ratio as total tourist inflow in 2013 and 2014 (separately for domestic and foreign tourists).
146
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Tripura
Tripura lies in the north eastern part of India. Tripura is the third-smallest state in the
country. It is bordered by Bangladesh to the north, south, and west, and the Indian states
of Assam and Mizoram to the east.
After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Indian government reorganised the North East
region to ensure effective control of the international borders and Tripura came into
existence on 21 January 1972.
According to 2011 census, the population of Tripura stands at 3,671,032. Tripura ranks
second only to Assam as the most populous state in North East India. It constitutes 0.3 per
cent of India's population. Bengalis represent almost 70 per cent of Tripura's population
while the Tripuri population amounts to 30 per cent.
Bengali is the widely spoken language followed by Kokborok which is a prominent language
among the Tripura tribes. Several other languages such as Hindi, Mog, Odia, Bishnupriya
Manipuri, Manipuri, Halam, Garo are also spoken in Tripura. Hinduism is followed by
majority of population followed by Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.
Bengali people are the largest ethno-linguist community of the state. As a result, Bengali
culture is the main non-indigenous, non-Tripura culture. Some local festivals are Ganga
puja, Garia puja, Kharchi puja and Ker puja which represents confluence of different
regional traditions.
Neermahal water festival takes place at Rudrasagar Lake which is organized for 3 days in
the month of December every year. Biggest attraction of this festival is boat race and
swimming competition.
In 2014, close to 390,000 tourists visited Tripura of which more than 7% tourists were
foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR147) of around 3.8% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics148 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
1,60,000 16,000
11,853
80,000 8,000
7,840
5,212 6,046
4,246
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 363: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Tripura from 2009 to 2015
Tripura has contributed to 0.04% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India over 2009 to
2015.
No information on fairs / festivals was provided by the state tourism board for this state.
Despite best efforts, we could not collect information on the fairs / festivals being organized
in this state / UT. Substitute fairs / festivals have been covered in other states/union
territories as given in Annexure B.
147
Compounded annual growth rate
148
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh lies in the northern part of India. It is the most populous state in India. The
state is bordered by Rajasthan to the west, Haryana and Delhi to the northwest,
Uttarakhand and Nepal to the north, Bihar to the east, Madhya Pradesh to the south and
touches the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to the south east.
It is the 4th largest state in India by area equal to 6.88% of the total area of India. Lucknow
is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Rae Bareli,
Moradabad, Bareilly, Aligarh and Varanasi are some of the important cities in the state.
According to 2011 census, the population stands at 199,581,477 and it is the most
populated state in India. Literacy rate is low at 67%. Hindi is the official and most widely
spoken language in its 75 districts. Hindus constitute 79.69% of the population while
Muslims constitute 19.25%. Some major native languages of the state are Awadhi,
Bhojpuri, Bundeli, Braj Bhasha, Kannauji and the vernacular form of Khariboli.
Kumbh Mela, organised between February-March is a major festival held organized every
twelve years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain on the river Ganges and Nasik on the
Godavari river.
In 2014, close to more than 185 million tourists visited Uttar Pradesh of which over 1.5%
tourists were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR149) of around 6.4% since 2009.
Subsequent chart shows the tourism statistics150 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
149
Compounded annual growth rate
150
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
20,00,00,000 28,00,000
Number of domestic tourists
16,83,81,276 20,48,88,457
19,94,495 20,54,420
18,87,095
10,00,00,000 16,75,123 14,00,000
15,50,309
5,00,00,000 7,00,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 365: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Uttar Pradesh from 2009 to 2015
Uttar Pradesh has contributed to more than 17% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in
India over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the study, following fairs & festivals have been covered:
1. Lucknow Mahotsav; organized from 27th January 2016 to 8th February 2016
2. Sarnath Buddh Festival; organized on 21st & 22nd May 2016
3. Shravasti Buddh Festival; organized on 21st May 2016
Lucknow Mahotsav
Lucknow Mahotsav is organized every year to showcase Uttar Pradesh Art and Culture and
in particular Lucknowavi ‘Tehzeeb’ so as to promote Tourism. One of the objectives of the
cultural bonanza is to provide encouragement to the Artisans. Craftsmen from all over the
country bring their masterpieces to the festival to the delight of shoppers. Colorful
processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of Lucknow Gharana, Sarangi
and sitar recitals, ghazals, qawalis and thumri produce a cheerful atmosphere during the
ten-day-long festival. Exciting events like ekka races, kite flying, cockfighting and other
customary village games re-establish an ambiance of the bygone Nawabi days. It is
organized for 10 days.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Lucknow Mahotsav organized in Uttar Pradesh,
around 4810 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 4030 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 2950 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Lucknow Mahotsav (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Lucknow Mahotsav is around 73% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
151
Image source: http://static.news18.com/pix/2014/11/Lucknow-mahotsav.jpg
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
10% 15% 5%
75% 95%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 367: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Lucknow Mahotsav
While 75%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 95% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
75%
Percentage of respondents
34%
34%
25%
15%
5%
5%
5%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 368: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Lucknow Mahotsav
Newspaper, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It
is also the most important source of information for 75% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 81: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Lucknow Mahotsav
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Janeshwar, Chidiya ghar, Lohiya Park, Amawadi, Kukrail Picnic Spot, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 6,500 – 7,000 for its visit
to the destination while Lucknow Mahotsav was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
4%
Shopping at local
market Boarding & lodging
16% 40%
Local travel
6%
Figure 369: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Lucknow Mahotsav
During celebration of Lucknow Mahotsav, a typical family is expected to spend around 22%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha with traditional religious fervour. Buddha
Purnima falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Vaisakh (April/May).A large fair is
held at Sarnath and the relice of the Buddha are taken out for public display in a procession
on this day.
The Buddha Purnima celebrations at Sarnath attract large Buddhist crowds as Buddhists
offer prayers in different Buddhist temples at Sarnath on this day. Prayers, sermons,
recitation of Buddhist scriptures are other important religious activities performed by the
Buddhists at Sarnath. Monks and devotees meditate and worship the statue of Gautam
Buddha.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Sarnath Buddha Mahotsav organized in Uttar
Pradesh, around 11320 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on
any given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 6010 were Indian
tourists whereas there were 80 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 2260 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Sarnath Buddha Mahotsav (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Sarnath Buddha Mahotsav is around 38% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
152
Image source: http://cdn.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/Budh-Purnima_flags.jpg
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
4%
8% 4%
28%
16% 16%
52%
8% 8%
16%
40%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 371: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Sarnath Buddh Festival
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 52% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
54%
52%
42%
Percentage of respondents
32%
16%
4%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 372: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Sarnath Buddh Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 52%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 82: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Sarnath Buddh Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination ~ 2 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Durga
Mandir, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mahadevi Temple, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 7,000 for its visit to the
destination while Sarnath Buddh Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
9%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
12%
Local travel
9%
Boarding & lodging
25%
Figure 373: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Sarnath Buddh Festival
During celebration of Sarnath Buddh Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
13% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Shravasti is situated in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh around 176 km off Lucknow.
It is a part of the Buddhist circuit that encompasses the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and
Nepal. Like in Sarnath, this festival celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha with traditional
religious fervour.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Shravasti Buddha Mahotsav organized in Uttar
Pradesh, around 620 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 620 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 620 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Shravasti Buddha Mahotsav
(the rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the
fair/festival from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist
inflow due to Shravasti Buddha Mahotsav is around 100% for Indian tourists and negligible
for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
11% 11%
11%
44%
44%
78%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 374: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Shravasti Buddh Festival
While 44%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than 15 days
before actual travel, 78% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
22%
18%
18%
18%
11%
11%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Figure 375: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Shravasti Buddh Festival
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 56%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 83: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Shravasti Buddh Festival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival ~ 1 day
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 2 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Thai
Buddha Vihar, Angulimal Gufa, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 5,500 for its visit to the
destination while Shravasti Buddh Festival was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
9%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket)
12%
Local travel
9%
Boarding & lodging
25%
Figure 376: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Shravasti Buddh Festival
During celebration of Shravasti Buddh Festival, a typical family is expected to spend around
14% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, a state in the northern part of India, is the 27th state of the Republic of India
and was created from the Himalayan and adjoining north western districts of Uttar Pradesh.
It shares it borders with China on the north, Nepal on the east, Uttar Pradesh to the south
and Himachal Pradesh to the west and north-west as well as Haryana to its south-western
corner. The state comprises of two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon.
In 1998, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council
passed the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, which began the process of creating a new
state. In 2000 Parliament of India passed the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000 and
thus, on 9 November 2000, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India. The capital of
Uttarakhand is Dehradun.
According to 2011 census, the total population stands at 10,116,752. Hindu religion
constitutes 80 % of the population followed by Muslims and Sikhs. The most common
dialects are Garhwali and Kumaoni which are spoken in Kumaon and Garhwal regions,
respectively. Jaunsari and Bhoti languages are spoken by tribal communities in the west and
north, respectively. Hindi is spoken in the urban areas.
Haridwar Kumbh Mela, takes place in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Haridwar is one of the four
places in India where this is organised. Kumauni Holi including Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and
Mahila Holi start from Vasant Panchami. These are festivals and musical affairs that lasts
almost a month. In addition, various fairs like Kanwar Yatra, Kandali Festival, Ramman,
Harela mela, Nauchandi mela, Uttarayani mela and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Mela take place.
In 2014, close to 22 million tourists visited Uttarakhand of which just below 0.5% tourists
were foreign. Tourist inflow is largely at the same level as of 2009. It had a dip in 2013
after Kedarnath tragedy but has started picking up again since then. Subsequent chart
shows the tourism statistics153 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
1,01,966
1,40,00,000 60,000
70,00,000 30,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 378: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Uttarakhand from 2009 to 2015
Uttarakhand has contributed to more than 2.5% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in
India over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the study, following three fairs/festivals have been covered:
1. Late Veer Gabbar Singh Mela; organized on 23rd April 2016
2. Mussourie Winter Carnival; organized from 24th to 30th December 2015
3. Shahid Kesari Chand Mela; organized on 2nd and 3rd May 2016
153
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Gabbar Singh Negi was a soldier in the British Indian Army during World War I and a
recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the
face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Every year, on
20 or 21 April, the area around the Negi Memorial in Chamba comes alive with many kiosks
being set up. This is the only fair of its kind in the state. The other feature of the fair is the
recruitment rally conducted by the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Late Gabbar Singh Mela organized in Uttarakhand,
around 1750 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given
day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 1760 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Late Gabbar Singh Mela (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Late Gabbar Singh Mela is negligible for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
The event is named as Winterline Carnival because this event seeks to celebrate and
promote the famous Winterline•which is visible every winter evening only from two places
in the world one is Mussourie and other is Burn valley in Switzerland.
Winterline is a unique phenomenon that is visible during the evening when as the sun goes
down below the Shivalik ranges the western horizon, visible from Mussourie, is a filled with
various shades of yellow, red and orange above a grey, and mauve coloured strip. This grey
and mauve coloured strip appears like a false horizon and is referred to as the winterline It
is so beautiful to watch that the onlookers are completely spellbound.
The entire town would bear a festive look during this event and the entire Mall road as well
as all the shops and hotels would be nicely decorated. The carnival promises to attract
people of all ages and has been planned to cater to diverse interests of the tourists. For
music lovers, every evening will be a special one with live performances by some of the
most well-known artists of the country. While in places such as New Delhi and Mumbai
people have to shell out a lot of money for such performances but during this carnival the
entry fee has been kept very low. Quiz, treasure hunt and other games for would be
organized every afternoon for Children and youth. Book lovers get a lifetime opportunity to
share a cup of tea with the famous Mussourie based author Ruskin Bond. For sports and
adventure enthusiasts Mussourie Car Rally, vintage car rally as well as marathon would be
the major attractions.
154
Image source:
http://images.tribuneindia.com/cms/gall_content/2015/12/2015_12$largeimg25_Friday_2015_231214540.jpg
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
1%
6% 6%
8% 8%
9% 9%
46% 46%
16%
17%
13% 14%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 380: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Mussourie Winter Carnival
While 46%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 46% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
39%
37%
Percentage of respondents
30%
29%
21%
20%
11%
9%
2%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 381: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Mussourie Winter Carnival
Internet, among others, is one of the important sources of information for the tourists. It is
also the most important source of information for 39% of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 84: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Mussourie Winter Carnival
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 3 – 4 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Mall
Road, Lal Tibba, Canty Fall, Company Garden, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 21-22,000 for its visit to
the destination while Mussourie Winter Carnival was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other
expenses
Travel to & fro
13%
destination
Shopping at fair ground 23%
(incl. fair ticket)
13%
Shopping at local
market Boarding & lodging
12% 32%
Local travel
7%
Figure 382: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Mussourie Winter Carnival
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Saheed Veer Kesri Chand Fair is held every year in the Nagau Gram Sabha of Chakrata
Taluk at the lavish green grounds of Ramtal Tank. This fair is held each year during the
auspicious time of Navratras to pay homage to the brave acts of freedom fighter Veer Kesri
Chand. He was a member of Azad Hind force and was caught by British in an attempt to
blow up a bridge in Imphal.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Shahid Kesari Chand Mela organized in
Uttarakhand, around 400 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on
any given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 100 were Indian
tourists whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, very few Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Shahid Kesari Chand Mela (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Shahid Kesari Chand Mela is negligible for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, negligible number
of tourists (Indian or foreign) who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair
were found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It is bordered by the countries of Bangladesh, Nepal
and Bhutan, and the Indian states of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim and Assam. The
state capital is Kolkata. It is the nation's fourth-most populous state, with a population of
91,347,736 with a literacy rate of 77.08%. Hindu religion constitutes 70.53% of total
population followed by Islam which constitutes 27.01%.
Bengalis comprise the majority of the population. The Marwaris and Bihari minorities are
scattered throughout the state. Some Buddhist communities such as the Sherpas, the
Bhutias, the Lepchas, the Tamangs, the Yolmos and the ethnic Tibetans can be found in the
Darjeeling region. The main language is Bengali followed by Hindi and English. Nepali
language also has an official status in the three subdivisions of Darjeeling district.
Durga Puja is the largest festival here which takes place between September-October.
Druga Puja is often labelled as India's largest open air art exhibition along with cultural
events, where people across diverse religious and cultural spectrum take part in the festival.
In 2014, more than 50 million tourists visited West Bengal of which close to 3% tourists
were foreign. Tourism has seen a growth (CAGR155) of around 18% since 2009. Subsequent
chart shows the tourism statistics156 for the state from 2009 to 2015.
155
Compounded annual growth rate
156
Source: India Tourism Statistics published by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
3,20,00,000 6,00,000
2,55,47,300
2,27,30,205
1,60,00,000 2,05,28,534 2,10,72,324 2,22,56,968 3,00,000
0 0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Figure 384: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to West Bengal from 2009 to 2015
West Bengal has contributed to around 3% of total tourists (domestic + foreign) in India
over 2009 to 2015.
For the purpose of the study, following two fairs/festivals have been covered:
1. Gangasagar Mela; held from 12th to 17th January 2016
2. Shantiniketan Poush Mela; held from 19th to 27th December 2016
3. Vishnupur Mela; from 27th – 31st Dec
Gangasagar Mela
The Gangasagar fair and pilgrimage is held annually on Sagar Island’s southern tip, where
the Ganges enters the Bay of Bengal. This confluence is also called Gangasagar or
Gangasagara. Near the confluence is the Kapil Muni Temple. The Gangasagar pilgrimage
and fair is the second largest congregation of mankind after the triennial ritual bathing of
Kumbha Mela. Every year on the day of Makar Sankranti(14 January), hundreds of
thousands of Hindus gather to take a holy dip at the confluence of river Ganges and Bay of
Bengal and offer prayers (puja) in the Kapil Muni Temple.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Gangasagar Mela organized in West Bengal,
around 850 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 750 were Indian tourists
whereas there were 10 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 740 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
10 foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered accommodations) came to the
destination specifically to visit Gangasagar Mela (the rest of fair visitors being local
residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a distance of less than 300
Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to Gangasagar Mela is around
99% for Indian tourists and around 100% for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
157
Image source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-
TsI6lDxA52E/ThLUdDKEYCI/AAAAAAAAAZk/w8dv4d8Npo8/s1600/kumbha-mela.jpg
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
4% 2%
14% 5%
5%
5%
38%
7%
9%
9% 84%
17%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 386: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Gangasagar Mela
While 38%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 84% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
100%
Percentage of respondents
75%
25%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 387: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Gangasagar Mela
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 75%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 85: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Gangasagar Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 4 – 5 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 4 – 5 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions ~ 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Nag
Mandir, Topo Ban, Dhabla Hat Monasha Mandir, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 11-12,000 for its visit to
the destination while Gangasagar Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Local travel
3% Boarding & lodging
21%
Figure 388: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Gangasagar Mela
During celebration of Gangasagar Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around 24%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District
of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of
Poush, the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay until the month-
end. The key characteristic of this fair includes live performances of Bengali folk music,
notably baul music. Poush Utsav is inaugurated on 7 Poush (around 23 December). At
dawn, Santiniketan wakes up to the soft music of shehnai. The first to enter the scenario is
the Vaitalik group, who go round the ashrama singing songs. It is followed by a prayer-
meeting at Chhatimtala. Then the entire congregation moves on to Uttarayan singing songs.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Shaniniketan Poush Mela organized in West
Bengal, around 710 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any
given day during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 650 were Indian
tourists whereas there were 10 foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or
foreign business travellers). Further, around 640 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Shaniniketan Poush Mela (the
rest of fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival
from a distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due
to Shaniniketan Poush Mela is around 99% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign
tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
158
Image source: http://aboutfestivalsofindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/poush-mela-shantiniketan-bengal-
1.jpg
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
3% 2%
8%
15%
17% 8%
10%
5%
13% 17%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 390: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Shaniniketan Poush Mela
While 25%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 32% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
43%
34%
Percentage of respondents
27%
23%
22%
18%
9%
9%
5%
5%
4%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 391: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Shaniniketan Poush Mela
Word of mouth from friends, family or peers, among others, is one of the important sources
of information for the tourists. It is also the most important source of information for 43%
of respondents.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 86: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Shaniniketan Poush Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 2 – 3 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 2 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include Vishva
Bharati Temple, Kopai River, Tarapith, Bakeshwar, etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 22-23,000 for its visit to
the destination while Shaniniketan Poush Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart
provides average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
Shopping at fair ground 3%
(incl. fair ticket)
16%
Travel to & fro
destination
10%
Shopping at local
market
14%
Figure 392: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Shaniniketan Poush Mela
During celebration of Shaniniketan Poush Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around
20% additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Vishnupur Mela
The festival is held every year between 27th and 31st December near the Madanmohana
Temple in the Vishnupur area of Bankura district. The event emphasizes the importance of
rich heritage of the area which is famous for its beautiful temples and traditional silk sarees.
Local artisans display their work in the form of handlooms and tourists come in large
numbers to buy silk clothing.
The festival is also characterized by musical dance performance by famous artists from the
Vishnupur Gharana. The ancient culture of West Bengal is on display during the five-day
festival. The festival brings all of the state together and emphasizes on unity and
brotherhood irrespective of caste, religion and class.
It is estimated that in the 2016 edition of Vishnupur Festival organized in West Bengal,
around 460 visitors were staying at registered accommodations like hotels on any given day
during the time fair / festival was being organized. Of these 390 were Indian tourists
whereas there were no foreign tourists (the remaining, if any, were Indian or foreign
business travellers). Further, around 190 Indian tourists (including those staying in
unregistered accommodations such as with friends/family, home stays, camp sites etc.) and
negligible number of foreign tourists (including those staying in unregistered
accommodations) came to the destination specifically to visit Vishnupur Festival (the rest of
fair visitors being local residents; i.e. those who had come to visit the fair/festival from a
distance of less than 300 Km). It is estimated that the increase in tourist inflow due to
Vishnupur Festival is around 49% for Indian tourists and negligible for foreign tourists.
The following section undertakes a detailed profiling for domestic tourists. This includes:
Understand the planning process and time taken to finalize the booking,
159
Image source: http://indianexpress.com/photos/lifestyle-gallery/christmas-sunburn-december-festivals-
4408001/9/
Sources used for collecting information regarding the destination in general and fairs
/ festivals in specific,
Total time spent at the destination, as well as time spent at fair ground and to visit
other attractions in the area
Total spending by a group / family during their stay at the destination as well as
spending increase due to celebration of the fair at the destination
Subsequent chart shows the time, before commencement of fair / festival, when domestic
tourists start planning their visit to the destination as well as time when they get the actual
booking (for travel, boarding & lodging etc.) done.
When did travel planning begin? When was actual booking done?
2% 4%
4%
2% 4%
11%
40% 22%
13%
81%
16%
More than 6 months before coming 3 to 6 months before coming 2 to 3 months before coming
1 to 2 months before coming 15 - 30 days before coming 7 to 15 days before coming
Less than a week before coming
Figure 394: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination
during celebration of Vishnupur Mela
While 40%, of respondents started planning their travel to this destination less than a week
before actual travel, 81% of respondents booked their travel tickets, stay etc. less than a
week before actual travel.
30%
25%
Percentage of respondents
23%
23%
23%
20%
18%
16%
14%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Newspaper Magazine / Hoarding TV Ad Radio Ad Internet Word of Local Other
journals Mouth Information / sources
Guides
Figure 395: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during
Vishnupur Mela
Television advertisement, among others, is one of the important sources of information for
the tourists. However, for 25% of respondents, internet is the most important source of
information.
Table below gives the average duration of stay of tourists at the destination during the
celebration of this fair.
Table 87: Duration of stay, time spent at fair and other locations by domestic tourists during
celebration of Vishnupur Mela
Utilization of time at the destination Average duration
Total stay duration at the destination 2 – 3 days
Number of days for visiting fair/festival 1 – 2 days
Number of days spent to visit other attractions 1 – 3 days
Other places of interest visited by tourists during their stay at the destination include
Jorbangla Mandir, Madan Mohan Temple, Itachuna Rajbari, Mukutmanipur, Mangal Mandir,
etc.
On an average, a single tourist group / family spent around INR 10-15,000 for its visit to
the destination while Vishnupur Mela was being organized. Subsequent chart provides
average break-up of this expense into various heads.
Other expenses
9%
Shopping at fair ground
(incl. fair ticket) Travel to & fro
13% destination
17%
Shopping at local
market Boarding & lodging
15% 37%
Local travel
9%
Figure 396: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during
Vishnupur Mela
During celebration of Vishnupur Mela, a typical family is expected to spend around 14%
additional to what it would have spent if it had visited when the fair was not being
celebrated. This is on account of shopping done at fair ground (including fair tickets;
wherever applicable) and does not consider appreciation of product and service pricing
during the celebration.
Note: During the random sampling exercise at registered accommodation units, a negligible
number of foreign tourists who had come with the specific objective of visiting the fair were
found. Therefore, detailed profile of such tourists has not been presented.
Conclusions
Fair & festivals have a minor impact on increase in tourist footfalls in a destination. It is
estimated that the footfalls of tourist increase by just over 1% if a fair / festival is being
celebrated in a destination. However, this is an average figure and varies from fair to fair.
It may be concluded that, in general, fairs / festivals have a positive impact to tourism at a
destination.
Annexure
Annexure A: List of figures
Figure 1: Andaman & Nicobar Islands and their location in India .................................................................... 51
Figure 2: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Andaman & Nicobar Islands from 2009 to 2015 ............. 52
Figure 3: Island Tourism Festival in Andaman & Nicobar Islands .................................................................... 53
Figure 4: Beach Festival in Andaman & Nicobar Islands ................................................................................. 54
Figure 5: Andhra Pradesh and its location in India ........................................................................................ 55
Figure 6: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Andhra Pradesh from 2009 to 2015 ............................. 56
Figure 7: Arunachal Pradesh and its location in India .................................................................................... 57
Figure 8: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Arunachal Pradesh from 2009 to 2015.......................... 58
Figure 9: Kameng River Festival in Arunachal Pradesh .................................................................................. 59
Figure 10: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Kameng River Festival .............................................................................................................................. 60
Figure 11: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Kameng River Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................. 61
Figure 12: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Kameng River Festival ........ 62
Figure 13: Nyokum Yullo Festival in Arunachal Pradesh ................................................................................. 63
Figure 14: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Nyokom Yullo Festival ............................................................................................................................... 64
Figure 15: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Nyokom Yullo Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................. 65
Figure 16: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Nyokom Yullo Festival ......... 66
Figure 17: Assam and its location in India ................................................................................................... 67
Figure 18: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Assam from 2009 to 2015 ......................................... 68
Figure 19: Bihar and its location in India ..................................................................................................... 69
Figure 20: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Bihar from 2009 to 2015 .......................................... 70
Figure 21: Bodh Mahotsav in Gaya, Bihar .................................................................................................... 71
Figure 22: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Bodh
Mahotsav ................................................................................................................................................ 72
Figure 23: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Bodh Mahotsav ........ 73
Figure 24: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Bodh Mahotsav .................. 74
Figure 25: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Bodh
Mahotsav ................................................................................................................................................ 75
Figure 26: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Bodh Mahotsav .......... 75
Figure 27: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Bodh Mahotsav ..................... 76
Figure 28: Deo Mahotsav at Aurangabad, Bihar............................................................................................ 77
Figure 29: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Deo
Mahotsav ................................................................................................................................................ 78
Figure 30: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Deo Mahotsav ......... 79
Figure 31: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Deo Mahotsav .................... 80
Figure 32: Chandigarh and its location in India ............................................................................................ 81
Figure 33: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Chandigarh from 2009 to 2015 .................................. 82
Figure 34: Chrysanthemum Flower Show at Chandigarh ................................................................................ 83
Figure 35: Rose & Heritage Car Rally Festival at Chandigarh .......................................................................... 84
Figure 36: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Rose
& Heritage Car Festival ............................................................................................................................. 85
Figure 37: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Rose & Heritage Car
Festival ................................................................................................................................................... 86
Figure 38: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Rose & Heritage Car Festival 87
Figure 39: Chhattisgarh and its location in India .......................................................................................... 88
Figure 40: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Chhattisgarh from 2009 to 2015 ................................ 89
Figure 41: Dongargarh Badi Bambleshwari Temple in Chhattisgarh................................................................. 90
Figure 42: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Dongargarh Navratri Mela ......................................................................................................................... 91
Figure 43: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Dongargarh Navratri
Mela ....................................................................................................................................................... 92
Figure 44: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Dongargarh Navratri Mela ... 93
Figure 45: Rajyotsav in Chhattisgarh .......................................................................................................... 94
Figure 46: Dadra & Nagar Haveli and its location in India .............................................................................. 95
Figure 47: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Dadra & Nagar Haveli from 2009 to 2015.................... 96
Figure 48: Tarpa Festival in Dadra & Nagar Haveli ........................................................................................ 97
Figure 49: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Tarpa
Festival ................................................................................................................................................... 98
Figure 50: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Tarpa Festival ......... 99
Figure 51: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Tarpa Festival ...................100
Figure 52: Daman & Diu and their location in India ......................................................................................101
Figure 53: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Daman & Diu from 2009 to 2015 ..............................102
Figure 54: Delhi and its location in India ....................................................................................................103
Figure 55: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Delhi from 2009 to 2015 ..........................................104
Figure 56: Delhi Garden Tourism Festival ...................................................................................................105
Figure 57: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Garden Tourism Festival...........................................................................................................................106
Figure 58: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Garden Tourism
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................107
Figure 59: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Garden Tourism Festival ....108
Figure 60: Goa and its location in India ......................................................................................................109
Figure 61: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Goa from 2009 to 2015 ...........................................110
Figure 62: Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa .................................................................................................111
Figure 63: Goa Carnival ...........................................................................................................................112
Figure 64: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Goa
Carnival .................................................................................................................................................113
Figure 65: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Goa Carnival ..........114
Figure 66: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Goa Carnival .....................115
Figure 67: Gujarat and its location in India .................................................................................................116
Figure 68: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Gujarat from 2009 to 2015 ......................................117
Figure 69: Modhera Dance Festival in Gujarat .............................................................................................118
Figure 70: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Modhera Dance Festival ...........................................................................................................................119
Figure 71: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Modhera Dance Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................120
Figure 72: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Modhera Dance Festival .....121
Figure 73: Polo Cycle Race in Gujarat ........................................................................................................122
Figure 74: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Polo
Cycle Race .............................................................................................................................................123
Figure 75: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Polo Cycle Race ......124
Figure 76: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Polo Cycle Race.................125
Figure 77: Chitra Vichitra Fair in Gujarat ....................................................................................................126
Figure 78: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Chitra
Vichitra Festival ......................................................................................................................................127
Figure 79: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Chitra Vichitra Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................128
Figure 80: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Chitra Vichitra Festival .......129
Figure 81: Haryana and its location of India ...............................................................................................130
Figure 82: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Haryana from 2009 to 2015 .....................................131
Figure 83: Surajkund Mela in Haryana .......................................................................................................132
Figure 84: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Surajkund Mela .......................................................................................................................................133
Figure 85: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Surajkund Mela ......134
Figure 86: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Surajkund Mela .................135
Figure 87: Baisakhi Mela in Haryana ..........................................................................................................136
Figure 88: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Haryana Baisakhi Mela .............................................................................................................................137
Figure 89: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Haryana Baisakhi Mela
.............................................................................................................................................................138
Figure 90: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Haryana Baisakhi Mela .......139
Figure 91: Himachal Pradesh and its location in India ..................................................................................140
Figure 92: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Himachal Pradesh from 2009 to 2015 ........................141
Figure 93: Kullu Spring Festival in Himachal Pradesh ...................................................................................142
Figure 94: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Kullu
Spring Festival ........................................................................................................................................143
Figure 95: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Kullu Spring Festival144
Figure 96: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Kullu Spring Festival ..........145
Figure 97: Anni Fair in Himachal Pradesh ...................................................................................................146
Figure 98: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Anni
Fair .......................................................................................................................................................147
Figure 99: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Anni Fair ................148
Figure 100: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Anni Fair ........................149
Figure 101: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Sippy Fair...............................................................................................................................................151
Figure 102: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Sippy Fair ............151
Figure 103: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Sippy Fair .......................152
Figure 104: Dungari Fair in Himachal Pradesh .............................................................................................153
Figure 105: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Dungari Fair ...........................................................................................................................................154
Figure 106: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Dungari Fair .........155
Figure 107: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Dungari Fair ...................156
Figure 108: Jammu & Kashmir and its location in India ................................................................................157
Figure 109: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Jammu & Kashmir from 2009 to 2015......................158
Figure 110: Tulip Festival in Jammu & Kashmir ...........................................................................................159
Figure 111: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Tulip
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................160
Figure 112: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Tulip Festival ........161
Figure 113: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Tulip Festival ..................162
Figure 114: Baisakhi Mela in Jammu & Kashmir ..........................................................................................163
Figure 115: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of J&K
Baisakhi Mela..........................................................................................................................................164
Figure 116: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during J&K Baisakhi Mela .165
Figure 117: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during J&K Baisakhi Mela ...........166
Figure 118: Jharkhand and its location in India ...........................................................................................167
Figure 119: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Jharkhand from 2009 to 2015.................................168
Figure 120: Sarhul Festival in Jharkhand ....................................................................................................169
Figure 121: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Sarhul Festival ........................................................................................................................................170
Figure 122: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Sarhul Festival ......171
Figure 123: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Sarhul Festival ................172
Figure 127: Karnataka and its location in India ...........................................................................................173
Figure 128: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Karnataka from 2009 to 2015 .................................174
Figure 129: Mysore Dussehra in Karnataka.................................................................................................175
Figure 130: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Mysore Dussehra Festival .........................................................................................................................176
Figure 131: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Mysore Dussehra
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................177
Figure 132: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Mysore Dussehra Festival .178
Figure 133: Hampi Festival in Karnataka ....................................................................................................179
Figure 134: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Hampi Festival ........................................................................................................................................180
Figure 135: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Hampi Festival ......181
Figure 136: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Hampi Festival ................182
Figure 223: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Cherrapunjee Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................267
Figure 224: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Cherrapunjee Festival .........268
Figure 225: Wangala Dance Festival in Meghalaya .......................................................................................269
Figure 226: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Wangala Dance Festival ...........................................................................................................................270
Figure 227: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Wangala Dance
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................271
Figure 228: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Wangala Dance Festival ...272
Figure 229: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Wangala Dance Festival ...........................................................................................................................273
Figure 230: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Wangala Dance Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................273
Figure 231: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Wangala Dance Festival ......274
Figure 232: Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya ......................................................................................275
Figure 233: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Cherry Blossom Festival ...........................................................................................................................276
Figure 234: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Cherry Blossom
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................277
Figure 235: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Cherry Blossom Festival ...278
Figure 236: Nongkrem Dance Festival in Meghalaya ....................................................................................279
Figure 237: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Nongkrem Dance Festival .........................................................................................................................280
Figure 238: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Nongkrem Dance
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................281
Figure 239: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Nongkrem Dance Festival .282
Figure 240: Mizoram and its location in India ..............................................................................................283
Figure 241: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Mizoram from 2009 to 2015 ...................................284
Figure 242: Thalfavang Kut ......................................................................................................................285
Figure 243: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Thalfavang Kut .......................................................................................................................................286
Figure 244: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Thalfavang Kut .....287
Figure 245: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Thalfavang Kut ................288
Figure 246: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Thalfavang Kut .......................................................................................................................................289
Figure 247: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Thalfavang Kut ........289
Figure 248: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Thalfavang Kut ..................290
Figure 249: Nagaland and its location in India ............................................................................................291
Figure 250: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Nagaland from 2009 to 2015 ..................................292
Figure 251: Hornbill Festival in Nagaland ...................................................................................................293
Figure 252: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Hornbill Festival ......................................................................................................................................294
Figure 253: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Hornbill Festival ....295
Figure 254: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Hornbill Festival ..............296
Figure 255: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Hornbill Festival ......................................................................................................................................297
Figure 256: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Hornbill Festival .......297
Figure 257: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Hornbill Festival .................298
Figure 258: Odisha and its location in India ................................................................................................299
Figure 259: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Odisha from 2009 to 2015 .....................................300
Figure 260: Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav in Odisha ...........................................................................................301
Figure 261: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav ..........................................................................................................................302
Figure 262: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Dhauli-Kalinga
Mahotsav ...............................................................................................................................................303
Figure 263: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav ..304
Figure 264: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav ..........................................................................................................................305
Figure 265: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav
.............................................................................................................................................................305
Figure 266: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav .....306
Figure 267: Konark Dance Festival in Odisha ..............................................................................................307
Figure 268: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Konark Dance Festival .............................................................................................................................308
Figure 269: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Konark Dance Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................309
Figure 270: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Konark Dance Festival......310
Figure 271: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Konark
Dance Festival ........................................................................................................................................311
Figure 272: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Konark Dance Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................311
Figure 273: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Konark Dance Festival ........312
Figure 274: Toshali National Crafts Mela in Odisha ......................................................................................313
Figure 275: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Toshali National Crafts Mela......................................................................................................................314
Figure 276: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Toshali National Crafts
Mela ......................................................................................................................................................315
Figure 277: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Toshali National Crafts Mela
.............................................................................................................................................................316
Figure 278: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Toshali
National Crafts Mela ................................................................................................................................317
Figure 279: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Toshali National Crafts
Mela ......................................................................................................................................................317
Figure 280: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Toshali National Crafts Mela 318
Figure 281: Puducherry and its location in India ..........................................................................................319
Figure 282: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Puducherry from 2009 to 2015 ...............................320
Figure 283: International Yoga Festival at Puducherry .................................................................................321
Figure 284: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
International Yoga Festival .......................................................................................................................322
Figure 285: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during International Yoga
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................323
Figure 286: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during International Yoga Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................324
Figure 287: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
International Yoga Festival .......................................................................................................................325
Figure 288: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during International Yoga
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................325
Figure 289: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during International Yoga Festival ..326
Figure 290: Liberation Day in Puducherry ...................................................................................................327
Figure 291: Punjab and its location in India ................................................................................................328
Figure 292: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Punjab from 2009 to 2015 .....................................329
Figure 293: Kila Raipur Rural Sports Festival in Punjab ................................................................................330
Figure 294: Maghi Mela in Punjab ..............................................................................................................331
Figure 295: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Maghi Mela .............................................................................................................................................332
Figure 296: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Maghi Mela...........333
Figure 297: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Maghi Mela .....................334
Figure 298: Rajasthan and its location in India............................................................................................335
Figure 299: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Rajasthan from 2009 to 2015 .................................336
Figure 300: Bikaner Camel Festival in Rajasthan .........................................................................................337
Figure 301: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Bikaner Camel Festival .............................................................................................................................338
Figure 302: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Bikaner Camel Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................339
Figure 303: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Bikaner Camel Festival .....340
Figure 304: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Bikaner Camel Festival .............................................................................................................................341
Figure 305: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Bikaner Camel Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................341
Figure 306: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Bikaner Camel Festival ........342
Figure 307: Desert Festival in Rajasthan ....................................................................................................343
Figure 308: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Desert Festival ........................................................................................................................................344
Figure 309: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Desert Festival .....345
Figure 310: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Desert Festival ................346
Figure 311: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Desert
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................347
Figure 312: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Desert Festival ........347
Figure 313: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Desert Festival ...................348
Figure 314: Mahaveerji Festival in Rajasthan ..............................................................................................349
Figure 315: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Mahaveerji Festival..................................................................................................................................350
Figure 316: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Mahaveerji Festival351
Figure 317: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Mahaveerji Festival ..........352
Figure 318: Mewar Festival in Rajasthan ....................................................................................................353
Figure 319: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Mewar Festival ........................................................................................................................................354
Figure 320: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Mewar Festival .....355
Figure 321: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Mewar Festival ................356
Figure 322: Travel planning & actual booking by foreign tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Mewar
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................357
Figure 323: Various sources of information for destination & fair for foreign tourists during Mewar Festival ........357
Figure 324: Break-up of expenses by a typical foreign tourist group / family during Mewar Festival ...................358
Figure 325: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Rajasthan Summer Festival ......................................................................................................................360
Figure 326: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Rajasthan Summer
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................360
Figure 327: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Rajasthan Summer Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................361
Figure 328: Sikkim and its location in India ................................................................................................362
Figure 329: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Sikkim from 2009 to 2015......................................363
Figure 330: Joreythang Maghey Mela in Sikkim ...........................................................................................364
Figure 331: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Joreythang Maghey Mela ..........................................................................................................................365
Figure 332: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Joreythang Maghey
Mela ......................................................................................................................................................366
Figure 333: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Joreythang Maghey Mela ..367
Figure 334: Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav in Sikkim..................................................................................368
Figure 335: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Lampokhari Paryatan Mahotsav.................................................................................................................369
Figure 336: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Lampokhari Paryatan
Mahotsav ...............................................................................................................................................370
Figure 337: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Lampokhari Paryatan
Mahotsav ...............................................................................................................................................371
Figure 338: Tamil Nadu and its location in India ..........................................................................................372
Figure 339: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Tamil Nadu from 2009 to 2015 ...............................373
Figure 340: Mahamakam Festival in Tamil Nadu..........................................................................................374
Figure 341: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Mahamakam Festival ...............................................................................................................................375
Figure 342: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Mahamakam Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................376
Figure 343: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Mahamakam Festival .......377
Figure 344: Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival in Tamil Nadu ..............................................................................378
Figure 345: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival ...................................................................................................................379
Figure 346: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Meenakshi Kalyanam
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................380
Figure 347: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Meenakshi Kalyanam Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................381
Figure 348: Natyanjali Festival in Tamil Nadu .............................................................................................382
Figure 349: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Natyanjali Festival ...................................................................................................................................383
Figure 350: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Natyanjali Festival .384
Figure 351: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Natyanjali Festival ...........385
Figure 352: Teppakulam Float Festival in Tamil Nadu ...................................................................................386
Figure 353: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Teppakulam Float
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................387
Figure 354: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Teppakulam Float Festival 388
Figure 355: Ooty Flower Festival in Tamil Nadu ...........................................................................................389
Figure 356: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of Ooty
Flower Festival ........................................................................................................................................390
Figure 357: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Ooty Flower Festival
.............................................................................................................................................................391
Figure 358: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Ooty Flower Festival ........392
Figure 359: Courtallam Waterfall during Sarai Vizha in Tamil Nadu ................................................................393
Figure 360: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Sarai Vizha .............................................................................................................................................394
Figure 361: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Sarai Vizha...........395
Figure 362: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Sarai Vizha .....................396
Figure 363: Telangana and its location in India ...........................................................................................397
Figure 364: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Telangana from 2009 to 2015 .................................398
Figure 365: Tripura and its location in India ...............................................................................................399
Figure 366: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Tripura from 2009 to 2015 .....................................400
Figure 367: Uttar Pradesh and its location in India ......................................................................................401
Figure 368: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Uttar Pradesh from 2009 to 2015 ............................402
Figure 369: Lucknow Mahotsav in Uttar Pradesh .........................................................................................403
Figure 370: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Lucknow Mahotsav ..................................................................................................................................404
Figure 371: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Lucknow Mahotsav 405
Figure 372: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Lucknow Mahotsav ..........406
Figure 373: Sarnath Buddh Festival in Uttar Pradesh ...................................................................................407
Figure 374: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Sarnath Buddh Festival ............................................................................................................................408
Figure 375: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Sarnath Buddh
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................409
Figure 376: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Sarnath Buddh Festival ....410
Figure 377: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Shravasti Buddh Festival ..........................................................................................................................412
Figure 378: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Shravasti Buddh
Festival ..................................................................................................................................................412
Figure 379: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Shravasti Buddh Festival ..413
Figure 380: Uttarakhand and its location in India ........................................................................................414
Figure 381: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to Uttarakhand from 2009 to 2015 ..............................415
Figure 382: Mussourie Winter Carnival in Uttarakhand .................................................................................417
Figure 383: Travel planning & actual booking by domestic tourists for visiting destination during celebration of
Mussourie Winter Carnival ........................................................................................................................418
Figure 384: Various sources of information for destination & fair for domestic tourists during Mussourie Winter
Carnival .................................................................................................................................................419
Figure 385: Break-up of expenses by a typical domestic tourist group / family during Mussourie Winter Carnival 420
Figure 386: West Bengal and its location in India ........................................................................................422
Figure 387: Inflow of tourists, both domestic & foreign, to West Bengal from 2009 to 2015..............................423
Key Contacts
Sankalp Shrie Rahul Bharadwaj
Group Business Director Insights Director
+91 11 4269 7977 +91 11 4269 7960
sankalp.shrie@imrbint.com rahul.bharadwaj@imrbint.com