Kaziranga National Park (KNP) sets records in tourist footfall, revenue collection

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and Tiger Reserve set all-time records during this tourism session, both in terms of revenue collection and tourists’ footfall. The 2022–23 tourist season ended on May 21.

According to KNP authorities, the park collected Rs 7,54,15,299 from 3,17,638 tourists as revenue in the just-concluded tourist season. This is an all-time record for KNP. The park collected Rs 5,36,35,690 in the 2021–22 tourist season from 2,48,389 tourists—1,624 foreign tourists and 2,46,765 domestic tourists.

The park collected Rs 2,17,79,609 more in the 2022–23 tourist season than the amount of revenue it collected in the 2021–22 tourist season.

According to the KNP authority, the footfall of foreign tourists in the 2022–23 tourist season was 10,768. This is 9,144 more than that of 2021–22.

Similarly, the footfall of domestic tourists also went up to 3,06,870 in 2022–23. This is 60,105 more than in 2021–22.

According to sources, improved animal sightings and the peaceful atmosphere in the state contribute to the increased inflow of tourists into the state. Apart from rhinos, deer, other animals, and birds, some tourists also saw Royal Bengal tigers in the park in the just-concluded tourist season. Some of the tourist guides were able to capture images and videos of Royal Bengal tigers in the KNP this time around.

Talking to The Sentinel, KNP Director Jatindra Sarma said, “The revenue collection increased in the recently concluded season despite the fact that we continue to charge fees fixed way back in 2015. We expect more footfalls from tourists and a surge in revenue collection in the 2023–24 tourist season.”

The tourist season at the KNP begins normally at the end of October.

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