(a) the percentage of foreign tourist arrivals in India as compared to other Asian countries during
the last three years;
(b) whether the Government has assessed the reasons for low foreign arrivals of tourists in India as
compared to other Asian countries;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken/being proposed by the Government to attract more tourists in the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a): The numbers and percentages of International Tourist Arrivals in India and some
other Asian countries during 2008, 2009 and 2010 are given in the Annexure.
(b) and (c): Some of the factors responsible for Foreign Tourist Arrivals in any
country, including India, are air connectivity, availability of reasonably priced
hotel accommodation, good tourism infrastructure, etc.
(d): Ministry of Tourism, as part of its promotional activities, releases print, electronic, online and
outdoor media campaigns in the international markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote
various tourism destinations and products of the country. In addition, a series of promotional activities
are undertaken in important and potential tourist generating markets overseas through the Indiatourism
Offices abroad with the objective of showcasing India’s tourism potential. These promotional activities
include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, Know India seminars & workshops;
organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures; offering joint
advertising and brochure support and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to
visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the Ministry.
The Ministry of Tourism also provides financial assistance to stakeholders for promotion of
tourism in the international markets under the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme.
Annexure
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.868
ANSWERED ON 25.11.2011 REGARDING FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS IN INDIA.
INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS TO SELECTED COUNTRIES OF ASIA
S.No. Country International Tourist Share in World Arrivals (in million) (in percent)
2008 2009 2010 2008 2009 2010
1 China 53.0 50.9 55.7 5.78 5.77 5.93
2 Indonesia 6.2 6.3 7.0 0.68 0.71 0.74
3 Japan 8.4 6.8 8.6 0.92 0.77 0.91
4 Korea, Republic 6.9 7.8 8.8 0.75 0.88 0.94 of
5 Malaysia 22.1 23.6 24.6 2.41 2.68 2.62
6 Philippines 3.1 3.0 3.5 0.34 0.34 0.37
7 Singapore 7.8 7.5 9.2 0.85 0.85 0.98
8 Sri Lanka 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.04 0.05 0.07
9 Thailand 14.6 14.2 15.8 1.59 1.61 1.68
10 India 5.3 5.2 5.8 0.58 0.59 0.62
World 917.0 882.0 940.0