Spatial and temporal analysis of regional disparities and tourist flow in Chhattisgarh, India (2021–2025)

Abstract

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy as well as Indian economy. It generates jobs and income but it also has an important role to play in regional development, cultural preservation and social inclusion. Chhattisgarh is rich in natural, cultural, religious and archeological resources having immense tourism potential. But the arrival of tourists is still unevenly distributed in its districts. The present study analyzes the district-wise data of tourist arrivals published by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board for the period 2021–2025. The study is purely based on secondary data. Statistical tools like percentage analysis, trend analysis, comparative analysis, district-wise ranking of top five tourist receiving districts and comparative charts have been used. Results show that tourist arrivals fell sharply in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic and a gradual recovery from 2022 onward. The study period showed that Rajnandgaon, Gariaband, Raipur, Janjgir-Champa and Baloda Bazar were the leading tourist-receiving districts. The study concludes that the development of integrated tourism circuits, better tourism infrastructure, effective destination marketing and active participation of local communities will help accelerate tourism growth in other districts of Chhattisgarh and promote balanced regional tourism development.