Foreign Tourists arrival recorded 18 percent increase

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The tourism ministry has registered a growth of over 18 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals in the country in September 2017 as compared to last year.
The number of foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) in India in September 2017 was 7.23 lakhs as compared to 6.08 lakhs in September 2016 and 5.43 lakhs in September, 2015, according to a statement by the ministry.

"The growth rate in FTAs in September 2017 over September 2016 is 18.8 per cent compared to 12.1 per cent in September 2016 over September 2015," the statement said.Most tourists arrives from Bangladesh (29.65 per cent) followed by the US (10.24 per cent), the UK (7.04 per cent), Sri Lanka (3.98 per cent), Australia (3.50 per cent), Malaysia (3.32 per cent) and Germany (2.57 per cent), among others.

With almost 29 per cent share of FTAs, the Delhi airport remained the busiest followed by Haridaspur Land Check Post (16.06 per cent), Mumbai Airport (13.57 per cent) and Chennai Airport (6.56 per cent).The ministry compiles monthly estimates of FTAs, including those with e-tourist visas, on the basis of their nationality and port, courtesy the data received from Bureau of Immigration (BOI).

India is a large market for travel and tourism. It offers a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products - cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, sports, MICE, eco-tourism, film, rural and religious tourism. India has been recognized as a destination for spiritual tourism for domestic and international tourists.

Total contribution by travel and tourism sector to India’s GDP is expected to increase from US$ 136.3 billion in 2015 to US$ 275.2 billion in 2025. Travel and tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner for India. A sum of US$ 1.76 billion was earned under foreign exchange through tourism during the month of September 2016.

The launch of several branding and marketing initiatives by the Government of India such as Incredible India! And Athiti Devo Bhava has provided a focused impetus to growth. The Indian government has also released a fresh category of visa - the medical visa or M visa, to encourage medical tourism in the country.

The Government has also been making serious efforts to boost investments in tourism sector.

In the hotel and tourism sector, 100 per cent FDI is allowed through the automatic route. A five-year tax holiday has been offered for 2, 3 and 4 star category hotels located around UNESCO World Heritage sites (except Delhi and Mumbai). The investment in tourism sector is expected to be US$ 12.4 billion in the 12th Five Year Plan; of these, private investments are likely to total US$ 9.2 billion.