Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during August 2011 was 4.02 lakh up by 5.2%

According to the figures given by the Tourism Ministry, 4.02 lakh foreign tourist arrived during August 2011 compared to 3.82 lakh during August 2010 and 3.70 lakh in August 2009. A growth of 3.3 per cent was registered in August 2010 over the figure for August 2009. Currently, foreign tourist arrivals in India are about 0.5 per cent of world tourist arrivals.

A total of 38.19 lakh foreign tourists visited the country during January-August 2011 with a growth of 10.2 per cent, compared to 34.67 lakh during January-August 2010. Foreign exchange earnings (FEE) during August 2011 were worth Rs.5734 crore compared to Rs.4620 crore in August 2010 and Rs.4115 crore in August 2009. The growth rate in FEE in Rs. terms in August 2011 over August 2010 was 24.1 % as compared to 12.3 % in August 2010 over August 2009.

FEE from tourism in rupee terms during January-August 2011 were Rs. 48013 crore with a growth of 15.9%, as compared to the FEE of Rs. 41437 crore with a growth of 22.6% during January- August 2010 over the corresponding period of 2009.

FEE in US$ terms during the month of August 2011 were US$ 1264 million as compared to FEE of US$ 992 million during the month of August 2010 and US$ 851 million in August 2009. The growth rate in FEE in US$ terms in August 2011 over August 2010 was 27.4% as compared to the growth of 16.6 % in August 2010 over August 2009.

The Ministry had launched an aggressive Incredible India campaign abroad showcasing Indian destinations abroad to woo foreign tourists. A series of road-shows were undertaken showcasing India’s unique products, including wellness tourism, Buddhist circuit, yoga, rural tourism sites and serene sea beaches.