Question : Inflow of Foreign Tourists

(a) whether the inflow of foreign tourists in the country has increased during the last three years;
(b) if so, the details of the tourists arrived in the country along with the revenue generated therefrom during the last three years, State-wise and year-wise;
(c) the schemes formulated and steps taken by the Government for air connectivity, rail connectivity, safety, facilities and proper accommodation for the tourists, State-wise including Jharkhand;
(d) the funds allocated to various States to encourage tourists during the last three years, State-wise including Jharkhand; and
(e) whether the Government has made publicity of tourism at world level through their centres and offices in the foreign countries and if so, the details of the foreign offices/centres and the amount spent on each such office during the last three years, year-wise and office-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a): Yes, Madam.




(b): The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during 2014, 2015 and 2016 were 7.68 million, 8.03 million and 8.80 million, respectively. State/UT-wise break-up of FTAs in India is not available.

The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India during 2014, 2015 and 2016 were Rs.1,23,320 crore, Rs.1,35,193 crore and Rs.1,54,146 crore, respectively. State/UT-wise break-up of FEEs from tourism in India is not available.

(c): Development and promotion of tourism including creation of tourism related infrastructure is responsibility of the respective State Governments/UT Administrations.

However, the initiatives undertaken by the Government of India through concerned central Ministries are as below:

(i) Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN on 21st October, 2016 to stimulate Regional Air Connectivity by making it affordable. The selection of airline operators under the scheme is made through transparent bidding process subject to compliance with the provision of the Scheme.
(ii) Indian Railways promotes tourism by providing connectivity through trains to tourist destinations across the country. In addition, exclusive tourist trains/packages are also operated. Promotion of tourism by linking tourist places with tourist trains is a continuous process based on market demand, operational feasibility and availability of resources.
(iii) Ministry of Tourism has taken following measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists:

• Launched 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline on the number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363 in 12 Languages.
• Distribution of Welcome card to foreign tourists with “Tips to enjoy your stay”.
• Deployment of Tourist Police, in one form or the other, in 13 States.
• Launched Social Awareness Media Campaigns for sensitizing stakeholders about good conduct and behavior towards tourists and to reinforce the spirit of ‘Atithidevo Bhava’.

(d): Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for projects based on requirements received from the respective State Government/UT Administration/Central Agency under respective schemes. CFA provided to different States/UTs under Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD scheme of the Ministry during last three financial years are given in Annexure 1.

(e): Yes, Madam. The details of the Budget Estimate for India Tourism Office overseas during the last three years are given in the Annexure 2.

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