(a) the number of foreign tourists who arrived in the country and the
revenue earned therefrom during 2006-07;
(b) whether tourism has been accorded the industry status;
(c) if so, whether the Government has proposals to boost up the development
of this industry by giving suitable incentives; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a), (b), (c) and (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.46
ANSWERED ON 01.03.2007 REGARDING INDUSTRY STATUS TO TOURISM.
(a): The estimated number of foreign tourist arrivals to India during 2006 is 4.43
million. The foreign exchange earnings from tourism during 2006 is estimated at
US$ 6569 million.
(b), (c) and (d): Tourism sector comprises activities of several service providers
like tour operators, travel agents, airlines and hotels. The Ministry of Commerce
and Industry (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) have announced
packages for the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and
Uttaranchal by way of concession under Excise Duty, Income Tax exemption and
investment subsidy etc. for certain identified thrust industries, including Eco-
Tourism industries set up in these States. Besides, the Ministry of Tourism
provides assistance of upto Rs. 50 crore in the form of grant for large revenue
generating tourism projects through the State Corporations under its plan scheme
‘Assistance for Large Revenue Generating Projects’. Under its plan scheme
‘Incentives to Accommodation Infrastructure’, the Ministry provides assistance
in the form of capital grant for budget category hotels.