After temporary set
back following September 11 event in New York, the revival of
Indian Tourism is on cards. In the month of October growth rate
of foreign arrivals was recorded 16.8% and in November it was
16.2%. The foreign exchange earnings through tourism have also
improved with an estimated growth of 24.4% in October and 22.2%
in November. Criticising tourism advisories issued by various
countries during the last few months, Shri Jagmohan said that
advising tourists to postpone their tour in view of terrorist
activities helps terrorists to achieve their objective. The Minister
was addressing an international conference on Aviation and Tourism
here today.
Outlining recent
initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tourism for upgrading infrastructure,
Shri Jagmohan said domestic tourism recently has recorded an impressive
growth - about 42%. The new scheme creating cultural and tourism
hubs all over the country would further give boost to it. He said
the Ministry has taken steps to synergize tourism with culture
and to club it with good civic governance to upgrade tourism infrastructure,
which would work as catalyic to attract tourist groups from abroad.
Recently China has given approved destination status to India
to permit Chinese to visit India in larger groups. Japanese tourists
have also shown keen interest in recently upgraded Ajanta and
Ellora, Bodhgaya and other sites in Bhudhist circuits. These all
are the good signs for Indian Tourism and it is expected to grow
in a big way in coming days, Shri Jagmohan added.
