Question : VISIT OF TOURISTS ABROAD

(a) whether apart from China, even small countries like Malaysia, Hongkong, Thailand and Singapore have recorded more tourist arrivals last year as compared to India;

(b) if so, whether India is burdened with lack of infrastructure, exorbitant hotel tariffs, high cost of domestic flying due to costliest Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and increasing incidents of terrorism and riots; and

(c) if so, the reasons for increasing number of Indians opting to fly out to neighbouring countries on short holidays even with a low budget?

MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) The existing tax regime, high cost of travel and inadequate infrastructure have had an adverse impact on the growth and expansion of tourism in India.

(c) The visits of Indian tourists to neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, etc. depend on their preferences for various tourist attractions of these countries and the packages offered by them which suit their budget.