(a) Whether it has been reported that 50 per cent of the tourists from abroad are
visiting their families and relatives in India;
(b) if so, whether this is due to bad planning made by India for the tourists;
(c) whether the Indian Association of Tour Operators has submitted a report about the
tourist position in India and working of the tourist department;
(d) if so, the main points mentioned in the report; and
(e) the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI ANANTHKUMAR)
(a) and (b) : The percentage of the tourist from abroad visiting their families and
relatives is only 2% as per the figures available for the year 1999. 91.8% tourists are
visiting India for the purpose of holidays, sight-seeing etc.
(c), (d) and (e): Department of Tourism works in close cooperation with the Travel Trade
which includes travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers etc. and they are being consulted on
most of the matters related to planning and promotion of tourism.