Tourism Expenditure in Varanasi: Insights from Ahmedabad-based EDII Report

According to a report by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, an overnight tourist in Varanasi spends Rs 3,272 per night, while a day tourist spends Rs 1,567. The report highlights that the highest expenditures for overnight tourists are on puja (29%) and accommodation (28%), whereas day tourists spend mostly on shopping (27%), followed by local tour packages and transport (19% each). The majority of tourists, around 69%, stay in Kashi for two or three nights. Based on feedback from 9,449 overnight tourists and 2,983 day tourists, the report indicates a total local expenditure of Rs 21,598 crore by tourists in 2023. This information is particularly significant as Varanasi, a high-profile constituency, is set to vote on June 1.