(a) whether various packages have been offered by foreign airlines and tour operators to woo tourists;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the likely impact on domestic tourism in India; and
(d) the steps being taken to attract more domestic tourists to different destinations in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SMT. RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a), (b) and (c): Promotions and packages offered by foreign airlines and tour operators have resulted in increase in outbound traffic, but its impact on domestic tourism is minimal. In 2003 the outbound traffic was 5.35 million as compared to 309 million domestic tourist visits. As per provisional estimates, domestic tourist visits have further increased by approximately 20% in 2004 while outbound traffic has increased by 16%.
(d): The steps being taken to attract more domestic tourists are development of infrastructure, advertising, participation in trade shows, dissemination of information through brochures and CD ROMs, joint promotions with State Governments/ Union Territories etc.