The number of Foreign Tourist  Arrivals (FTAs) in India witnessed an increase in 2010 as well as 2011. It increased from 5.78 million in 2010 to 6.29 million in 2011 registering a growth rate of 8.9% over 2010. Similarly in 2010, it increased to 5.78 million from 5.17 million in 2009, registering a growth rate of 11.8% over 2009.

            The Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products. In addition, a series of activities are undertaken in important and potential tourist generating markets overseas through the Indiatourism Offices abroad with the objective of showcasing India’s tourism potential. These activities include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, Know India seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures; offering joint advertising and brochure support and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the Ministry.

The Ministry of Tourism also provides financial assistance to stakeholders for promotion of tourism in the international and domestic markets under the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme.

            Development and promotion of tourism is primarily undertaken by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism, however, provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/Central Government Agencies for the tourism infrastructure development under the following schemes:

1.    Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits

2.     Large Revenue Generating Project

3.    Assistance to Central Agencies for Infrastructure Development  

4.    Computerisation and Information Technology

5.    Capacity Building for Service Providers

Ministry of Tourism is also implementing number of schemes of human resource development, market research, domestic and overseas promotion and publicity, Incredible India Campaign, development of various niche products, etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism, Shri Sultan Ahmed  in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Samir/kd