Question : Development of Tourist Infrastructure for Foreign Tourists

(a) whether it is a fact that in view of the lack of information and appropriate infrastructure along with the non-effective policies of the Government, foreign tourists are moving towards South-East Asian countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government has sanctioned any funds for the development of tourism infrastructure at tourist spots during the last three years to attract more tourists to the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) and (b): The Foreign Tourist Arrivals to India has steadily increased during the last 5 years from 2010 to 2014 as detailed below:
<pre>
Parameter 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India (million) 5.78
(11.8%) 6.31
(9.2%) 6.58
(4.3%) 6.97
(5.9%) 7.68
(10.2%)
</pre>
The growth rate of Foreign Tourist Arrivals worldwide in 2014 vis-a-vis 2013 was 4.23% while India registered a growth rate of 10.2% during the same period.

As per the World Economic Forum (Davos) Report, 2015 on Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, India has moved 13 positions ahead from 65th to 52nd rank.

(c) and (d): Yes, Madam. The list of number of projects and amount sanctioned under various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism during the last three years is given at Annexure.

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