(a) whether the Government is considering to provide some special facilities during air journey to attract more foreign tourists to India;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of foreign tourists likely to visit India after providing such facilities?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a) and (b): In order to attract foreign tourists, National Aviation Company of India Limited(NACIL) has launched special Holiday packages known as Air India Flyaways. These packages are saleable in the Domestic as well as International markets. NACIL is also offering attractive promotional fares including off-season fares during off-peak period from all its overseas destinations to promote inbound tourism to India. Effective 1st October, 2007, the following additional facilities have been made available:-
(i) Passengers holding holiday packages tickets in economy class can get their tickets upgraded to executive class on payment of applicable difference in fares at NACIL city/ airport booking counters.
(ii) Re-routing of the return segment of the holiday package tickets.
(c) While a reliable estimation on the tourists likely to visit India after providing such facilities may not be feasible, during the period January to October, 2007 about 3.89 million foreign tourists visited India.