A recent released by Jefferies, one of the leading investment banking and capital market firms in the world, says that Ayodhya can boost India’s tourism potential.

Jefferies’ estimates suggest a potential footfall of more than five crore tourists to Ayodhya per annum — more than the highest footfall that Tirupati receives. 

As a result of the $10 billion makeover, Ayodhya will most likely experience a multiplier effect with newer economic activities. This is because of the new airport, revamped railway station, township, and improved road connectivity — setting a template for infra-driven growth for tourism in India.

What was once a ‘sleepy town’ will now see booming activity with new hotels, roads and improved railway infrastructure. The Maharishi Valmiki Ayodhya International Airport was constructed in a record time of less than 20 months.

This, according to Jefferies, will stand to benefit sectors such as hotels, airlines, FMCG, hospitality, cement and travel ancillaries. 

In comparison, Vatican City and Mecca record a footfall of nine and 15 million visitors annually, and Ayodhya is projected to attract anywhere between 50 and 100 million tourists per year.

If everything goes according to the plan, Ayodhya will become a ‘template’ for tourism development in India.