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Tourism industry shows signs of revival |
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In a major relief to the domestic tourism industry currently reeling under the impact of the global economic downturn, the negative growth of foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) is coming down considerably.
In fact, India’s foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) from tourism in May this year have registered a growth of 8.7 per cent as compared to the same month last year. While FEEs from tourism in May last year were Rs 2,988 crore, the same is Rs 3,249 crore this year.
Though the FTAs continue to register negative growth since November last year mainly due to the global economic downturn and 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the decline is marginal since the last two months as compared to the corresponding period in 2008.
The FTAs registered negative growth ranging between 10.6 per cent and 17.6 per cent during the first three months this year. The negative growth came down in April and May this year to 3.5 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively as compared to last year.
In all, 2, 95,124 foreign tourists visited the country in May as compared to 3,00,840 during the same month last year. Tourism ministry officials said the decline in negative growth is a good sign for domestic industry.
According to the joint secretary, tourism, Ms Leena Nandan, “The negative growth in numbers of foreign tourist arrivals is slowing down,” “Apart from Visit India scheme and road shows in foreign countries, we have taken so many steps in recent months to attract international tourists. I think these efforts are adding up to the number of foreign tourists and they are finding India attractive again,” she added.
The Visit India Year 2009 scheme offers complimentary air tickets, hotels, tour packages and rural tourism experience to foreign tourists. Road shows promoting India as a tourist destination were held in countries that include the USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Singapore, Tokyo, Korea, Gulf and Canada.
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