Question : Inflow of Foreign Tourists

(a) the number of foreign tourists arriving in the country and the revenue earned therefrom during the last three years, year-wise and State/UT-wise;
(b) whether there has been a decline in foreign exchange earnings from tourism during the said period and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the steps taken by the Government for image building of the country to attract more foreign tourists in the country to ensure more revenue generation through tourism; and
(d) whether the Government has provided any special incentive to various State Governments for development of tourism to boost foreign tourist inflow in the country and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise?

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

(a): The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 6.97 million, 7.68 million and 8.03 million, respectively. The State/Union Territory (UT)-wise break-up of FTAs in India is not available. However, the number of Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) to different States/UTs during 2013, 2014 and 2015, which is different from FTAs, is given in Annexure-I. Ministry of Tourism does not compile the data on revenue earned through tourism in States/UTs.

(b): No, Madam. There has been a double digit growth in Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India. FEEs through tourism in India during 2013, 2014 and 2015 were Rs.1,07,671 Crore, Rs.1,23,320 Crore and Rs.1,35,193 Crore, respectively.

(c): Initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism in the recent past for development and promotion of tourism and to attract more tourists in the country are as below:

? Introduction of e-Tourist Visa facility for the citizens of 150 countries at 16 airports.
? Launch of 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Infoline handling ten international languages besides Hindi and English.
? The Ministry of Tourism has launched ‘Welcome Booklet’ with information on Do’s and Dont’s for tourists, contact details of India Tourism domestic offices and Tourist Helpline Number for distribution at immigration counters to tourists arriving at international airports.
? Launch of Swachh Paryatan App.
? Promotion of India as a holistic destination in the international markets under the Incredible India brand-line.
? Organization of biennial International Buddhist Conclave.
? Organization of Annual International Tourism Mart for promotion of tourism in North Eastern States.
? Promotion of activities in tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with active participation in International Tourism Events.
? Financial assistance to Stakeholders and Tourism Departments of States/UTs for undertaking promotional activities under the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme.

(d): Development and promotion of tourism sector is the responsibility of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to them for tourism projects subject to adherence of existing scheme guidelines, availability of funds and liquidation of utilisation certificates for funds released earlier.

Details of projects sanctioned for States/UTs during 2014-15 and 2015-16 under Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD Scheme of the Ministry is given in Annexure-II.
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