GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Tourism:

RAJYASABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2427
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2009
Tourism Concerns Due To Security

2427. SHRl RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a)     whether India has slipped down to 23rd world ranking in terms of forex earning from tourism despite higher number of arrivals;
(b)    whether security concerned intensified by the Mumbai terrorist attacks have made India an
unattractive proposition for the foreign tourists; and     '
(c)    if so, the initiatives taken by Government along with airlines, hotels and tour operators to minimize the impact of slowdown on India's tourism sector?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM
(SHRl SULTAN AHMED)

(a), (b) and (c); There was a growth in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), as well as foreign exchange earnings (FEE), from tourism in India in 2008 over 2007. However, the growth rates in FTAs and FEE from tourism during 2008 over 2007 were lower as compared to those observed during 2007 over 2006. The rank of India in FEE from tourism was 23rd in 2008 as compared to 22nd in 2007.
The estimated number of FTAs in India during January - November 2009 declined by 6.3% as compared to the corresponding period of 2008. This decline in FTAs may be due to various reasons including global financial slowdown, terrorist activities, HINI pandemic, etc.
Ministry of Tourism (MOT) has launched "Visit India 2009" Scheme in April 2009 m collaboration with all stakeholders including airlines, hotels, tour operators, State Governments for incentivising travel to India.
In addition, to increase the number of FTAs, Ministry of Tourism, through its India tourism offices overseas is undertaking a series of promotional activities. These activities include, advertising, participation in travel fairs, exhibitions, road shows, India evenings, seminars & workshops, Indian food and cultural festivals, publication of brochures, inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the Ministry.