Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | From Ashoka to Ashok Hotel: Bihar’s Billion-Rupee Tourism Bet Amid Crime Concerns Bihar’s Tourism Boom: A New Dawn for the Land of
From Ashoka to Ashok Hotel: Bihar’s Billion-Rupee Tourism Bet Amid Crime Concerns
Bihar is no longer just a history book — it’s becoming a travel destination on everyone’s radar. In 2024 alone, over 6.60 crore tourists explored its spiritual, cultural, and heritage sites. Out of these, 6.50 crore were domestic travelers, while 7.3 lakh were international visitors.
Clearly, something is changing. Bihar is stepping into the tourism spotlight — but is it fully ready to host the world?
To fuel this momentum, the Bihar government has approved development projects worth ₹1328 crore for the 2024–25 period. These projects focus on improving infrastructure, hospitality, and visitor experience.
Moreover, the centerpiece of this transformation includes the construction of three 5-star hotels in Patna. Planned at Pataliputra Ashok, Sultan Palace, and Bankipur Bus Stand, these luxury establishments will be developed under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model.
As a result, travelers will soon enjoy world-class lodging options, while the local economy will benefit from increased job creation and business opportunities.
In a strategic move, the state revised its Tourism Policy in March 2023 to encourage more investment. Under the new guidelines, the minimum investment needed to build a star-rated hotel was reduced from ₹10 crore to just ₹5 crore.
Thanks to this policy shift, mid-sized investors can now enter the hospitality sector with ease. Consequently, the state is seeing a rise in 3-star and 2-star hotel proposals, making tourism more inclusive and scalable.
Bihar’s tourism growth isn’t just about ambition — the numbers prove it. Here’s a quick breakdown:
2020: 59.44 lakh tourists
2021: 25.51 lakh (including only 1,046 foreign visitors)
2022: 2.54 crore (86,829 foreign tourists)
2023: 8.21 crore (5.46 lakh international visitors)
2024: 6.60 crore (7.3 lakh foreign tourists)
Although there was a slight dip from 2023 to 2024, the overall trajectory shows a massive upswing compared to earlier years. That’s why the state is pushing forward with bold initiatives.
Despite these developments, law and order remains a major concern. Incidents like the attack on police personnel and the high-profile Tanishq jewellery heist in Ara have dented the image of safety.
Frequently, crime rates tend to rise around election seasons, further complicating tourism planning. While infrastructure is rising, ensuring public safety will be essential to maintain tourist trust and investor confidence.
It’s not just about hotels or highways — it’s about hope. A thriving tourism industry can transform Bihar. It can boost small businesses, generate employment, revive heritage spots, and give the youth a reason to stay and grow.
However, this transformation must come with balance. On one hand, we need luxury hotels and smarter policies. On the other, we must strengthen public security and law enforcement.
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