Medical and health-related tourism emerged as one of the biggest reasons for domestic overnight trips in India over the past year, accounting for around 30 out of every 100 such trips, according to data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The share was even higher in rural areas, where health and medical trips accounted for 38.4% of overnight trips. Read on to know more.
Medical-Related Tourism Emerges As One Of The Biggest Reasons For Trips
The findings are part of the Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey (DTES), conducted by the National Statistics Office. According to the survey, pilgrimage and religious travel remained the most common reason for overnight trips, accounting for around 48 trips out of every 100. Health and medical travel followed, with around 30 trips per 100.
Medical travel also emerged as the most expensive category of domestic trips. The average expenditure on health and medical trips stood at ₹29,454 in rural areas and ₹41,649 in urban areas. The survey also highlighted differences in domestic travel patterns between rural and urban households. Rural households recorded 127 trips per 100 tourist households, while the figure stood at 132 trips per 100 urban tourist households. In urban areas, holiday, leisure and recreational travel accounted for 36.4% of overnight trips.
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May & October Recorded The Highest Number Of Holidays
On average, an overnight trip involved 2.03 visitors, with around 80% of visitors staying for five days or less. May and October recorded the highest number of holiday, leisure and recreational trips, according to the survey. Transportation preferences also varied between rural and urban households. Buses were the most commonly used mode of transport among rural households, accounting for 32% of visitor trips. Among urban households, trains were the preferred mode, with a 35% share.
Accommodation choices showed a similar difference. Hotels and guesthouses were the most preferred options among urban overnight visitors, accounting for 36% of visitor trips. In rural areas, other non-commercial accommodation accounted for the largest share at 28%. This included stays at one’s own vacation home or second home, temporary accommodation provided by employers, and free accommodation offered by religious or missionary organisations.
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At the state level, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest share of total visitor trips at 15.7%, including visitors from within and outside the state. Tamil Nadu followed with 13.4%, while Rajasthan accounted for 8% of total visitor trips.
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FAQs
Which city is famous for medical tourism in India?
Chennai is widely known as the "Health Capital of India" and attracts about 30% to 40% of all international patients visiting the country for medical treatment.
What is trip in safety?
“Safe trip” is a polite parting phrase used to wish someone a secure, trouble-free journey without accidents, injuries, or delays.
Is medical tourism legal in India?
Yes, medical tourism is entirely legal and actively promoted by the government in India.
