Ahmedabad: Gujarat ranked fifth among Indian states in foreign tourist visits in 2025, recording 2.34 million visits by overseas travellers, according to data released by the Union ministry of tourism.Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 4.51 million foreign tourist visits, followed by Maharashtra with 4.5 million. West Bengal recorded nearly 4 million visits, while Delhi attracted 2.43 million. Gujarat followed with 2.34 million visits.The state’s foreign tourist footfall rose marginally by around 2.9% from 2.27 million visits in 2024, indicating continued interest among international travellers despite the modest growth.Travel industry experts attributed the influx to Gujarat’s expanding industrial and business ecosystem as well as its growing tourism infrastructure.“Gujarat’s wide industrial base, the presence of GIFT City and an upcoming cluster of semiconductor industries are drawing many foreign delegates, including industry experts, executives and embassy members. Their arrival is also driving tourism,” said Ahmedabad-based travel expert Manish Sharma.He added that branded hotels in pilgrimage and tourism hubs such as Dwarka, Palitana, Somnath, the Statue of Unity, Gir, Kutch and Gandhidham had helped attract more international visitors.Gujarat also recorded 220.43 million domestic tourist visits in 2025, ranking eighth nationally. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan reported higher domestic tourist footfall.Improved international air connectivity through Ahmedabad has further boosted inbound tourism. An airport source said direct flights from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to destinations including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Jeddah and Singapore had strengthened Gujarat’s connectivity with overseas markets.The tourism ministry said the figures were compiled using data provided by state govts, Union Territory administrations and the ministry.
