As the peak travel season kicks in, India’s foreign tourist arrivals for October 2012 saw a sluggish growth of 2.8% with 560,000 foreign tourists coming here. In October 2011, the growth in foreign tourists arrivals was over 10% over same period in the previous year.
The growth rate in foreign exchange earnings for October 2012 also dipped to 8% compared to an increase of over 21% in October 2011.
Foreign exchange earnings during October 2012 were $1,538 million as compared to earnings of $1,424 million during the month of October 2011.
Global economic slowdown has had an adverse impact on the foreign tourist arrivals. The aviation crisis in the country too has contributed to an increase in the cost of travelling for both inbound and outbound tourists.
Tourism ministry estimates state that the number of foreign tourists arrival by the end of 12th Plan would be 11.24 million and 35.96 million respectively.
Recently, actor K Chiranjeevi on assuming the charge of new tourism minister said that he would he would “seek the cooperation of cinestars in promotion of Incredible India”.
