Foreign Tourist Arrivals during the period January-December 2014 grow by 7.1%, as compared to a growth of 5.9% during January-December 2013

New Delhi: The Foreign Tourist Arrivals during the period January-December 2014 were 74.62 lakh with a growth of 7.1%, as compared to the Foreign Tourist Arrivals of 69.68 lakh with a growth of 5.9% during January-December 2013 over the corresponding period of 2012. Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism in rupee terms during January-December 2014 were Rs.1,20,083 Crore with a growth of 11.5%, as compared to the Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs.1,07,671 Crore with a growth of 14.0% during January- December 2013 over the corresponding period of 2012.
The Ministry of Tourism has taken various initiatives to boost the growth of tourism in India. These new initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism include Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits – Swadesh Darshan and the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD). The Ministry has also launched a 24x7 Incredible India Toll Free Helpline for Tourists (Code – 1363/1800-111363).
The Government of India has introduced Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled with Electronic Travel Authorisation to facilitate foreign travellers visiting India. This facility is available to the nationals of 44 countries arriving at 9 airports in India (viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Goa airports).
To create social awareness among the masses regarding their conduct and attitude towards tourists and to sensitize the stakeholders of the tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism releases the Atithi Devo Bhava – Social Awareness Campaign. People in general are sensitized to preserve and protect the heritage and monuments of the country, including tourist places, for the generations to come. The campaign also strives to bring about a positive change in the outlook of the people. These campaigns are released in select Print, Electronic, Outdoor and Online Media.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma, in a reply to unstarred question in Lok Sabha today.