ANCHOR NEWS : JHARKHAND GOVERNMENT PLANS TO TOINK MoU WITH MakeMyTrip SOON TO PROMOTE TOURISM

*About 528 Natural Sites to Transform Jharkhand into a Tourism Hub

*About 3.5 crores annual tourist footfall, including two lakhs foreign tourist arrivals in the state

TTT NEWS NETWORK

KOLKATA | 29 SEPTEMBER 2025

To further elevate Jharkhand’s tourism sector, the state government has planned to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MakeMyTrip, aiming to bring a new dimension to travel planning and promotion in the state.

Jharkhand is a state where every district is a tourist destination. Its pleasant climate, rich cultural and religious heritage, diverse languages, and traditional attire naturally attract visitors. Here, guests are welcomed with a warm Johar, and travelers can explore more than 528 natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and historical sites.

Recognizing this rich and immense tourism potential, state chief Minister Hemant Soren and Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar, both have initiated steps to develop Jharkhand into a major tourism hub—aimed at boosting the state economy and generating further employment opportunities.

The Jharkhand Tourism Department, along with its partner JTDCL (Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.) is actively working to strengthen tourism across the state.

The state tourism department has also recently planned coal mining tourism and had signed a memorandum of understanding.

The Key Government Initiatives to Promote Jharkhand Tourism:

• Strong Digital Presence:
  Jharkhand Tourism’s online identity has been strengthened for global reach.
• Dam Beautification:
  Major dams across the state are being beautified to enhance visitor experience.
• Betla Van Vihar Renovation:
  JTDCL has renovated its popular hotel property at Betla.
• Mining Tourism Circuit:
  A unique tourism circuit has been launched to showcase Jharkhand’s mining heritage.
• Modern Website:
  A new, upgraded JTDCL website offers better services for tourists.
• Influencer Collaboration:
  Partnerships with digital influencers are boosting Jharkhand’s online presence, with plans to allocate up to ₹10 lakh for influencer engagements.
• New Branding:
  A new logo for JTDCL and Jharkhand Tourism has been unveiled.
• Digital Advertising:
  Tourism campaigns are being promoted aggressively across digital platforms.
• District-Level Awareness Programs:
  Tourism Day celebrations at the district level are engaging local communities.
• Eco Retreats:
  Environment-friendly tourism is being promoted through eco-retreat festivals.
• Religious Circuit:
  Plans are underway to link Tamar to Birsa Munda’s birthplace, Ulihatu, in a religious tourism circuit.
• Investment Invitations:
  Domestic and international investors are being invited to develop tourism infrastructure.

Growing Tourist Footfall:

Jharkhand is attracting both domestic and international tourists in large numbers.

• Each year, around 3.5 crore tourists visit the state, including nearly 2 lakh foreign travelers.
• Post-lockdown, 3.34 crore tourists visited in 2021.
• August consistently records the highest tourist arrivals.
• In 2024, over 60 lakh tourists visited in July alone, while September saw 51,18,177 visitors.
• In 2023, 13,178 foreign tourists explored Jharkhand.

Categorization of Tourist Spots:

The Tourism Department has classified destinations for focused development:

• Category A (37 Sites):
  • Baidyanath Dham, Trikut Hills, and Rikhia Dham (Deoghar)
  • Udhwa Bird Sanctuary (Sahibganj)
  • Basukinath Dham and Maluti Temples (Dumka)
  • Rajrappa Temple, Jagannath Temple, and more.
• Category B: 57 sites
• Category C: 112 sites
• Category D: 322 sites

Upcoming Attractions:

• Glass Bridge & Heli Shuttle Service:
  New adventure and travel facilities are being developed.
• Homestays:
  Stay-home accommodations are being built near tourist spots to support local employment and enhance visitor experiences.

Meanwhile, the World Tourism Day 2025 festival lit up Jharkhand with cultural shows, eco-drives and lively competitions. From folk dances to awareness campaigns, the joy on every face said it all.

The cultural program, folk dances, traditional cuisine, and quiz and painting competitions for students at the historic Audrey House in Ranchi on the special day.