The upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22 in Ayodhya is not just a spiritual event but a catalyst for economic growth in the region. The hospitality, travel, and tourism industry is gearing up to welcome lakhs of tourists, and this surge is expected to create up to 20,000 jobs in and around Ayodhya.
Officials in the hospitality sector are optimistic about the potential for job creation, with roles ranging from hospitality managers and hotel staff to logistics managers and drivers. The ripple effect of this anticipated tourism boom is extending beyond Ayodhya, reaching neighboring cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur.
Yeshab Giri, Chief Commercial Officer at Randstad India, envisions Ayodhya transforming into a global tourism hub, anticipating a daily footfall of 3-4 lakh visitors. The staffing industry, represented by Randstad and TeamLease, estimates the creation of 20,000-25,000 permanent and temporary jobs, with a projection for continuous growth in the coming years.
The immediate demand is already evident, with an increased need for accommodation and travel services, resulting in a significant upswing in Ayodhya’s hospitality sector. In-demand roles include hotel staff, housekeeping, front-desk management, chefs, and multi-lingual tour guides.
Balasubramanian A, Vice President at TeamLease, reports that in the last six months alone, 10,000 to 20,000 positions have been created, covering various roles related to hospitality, travel, and tourism.
Despite the positive outlook, industry insiders acknowledge the temporary nature of many of these jobs, contingent upon the sustained demand and the actual number of devotees visiting the temple. The industry typically operates on a ratio of 1-2 staff for every 100 customers, indicating a potential for more job opportunities in the future.
The fast-tracked nature of permissions for Ayodhya’s infrastructure development is expected to expedite the demand for manpower, with estimates suggesting a surge in temple traffic to reach between 300,000 to 700,000 people in the first week post-inauguration.
However, challenges lie ahead, particularly in the supply of accommodations. Currently, Ayodhya has only two major branded hotels—Park Inn by Radisson and Cygnet. Industry leaders like Patu Keswani, Chairman and Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, express a cautious approach, with many companies adopting a wait-and-watch strategy to assess the evolving demand-supply dynamics.
Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head at Thomas Cook (India), highlights the exponential boost in temple tourism, witnessing a jump of over 1000% in searches compared to last year. The excitement over the Ram Temple inauguration has not only impacted Ayodhya but also nearby destinations like Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Allahabad.
To alleviate infrastructure constraints in Ayodhya, Thomas Cook is offering a range of accommodation options, from hotels to tent stays, including overnight stay options in nearby cities like Lucknow and Prayagraj.
As Ayodhya braces for an influx of devotees and tourists, the economic resurgence brought by the Ram Temple inauguration is not only a spiritual milestone but a driving force for job creation and economic growth in the region. The success of this endeavor hinges on a delicate balance between supply and demand, making it a fascinating chapter in Ayodhya’s evolving narrative.