No let-up in foreign tourist inflow, says Selja

Chandigarh, June 29 : The inflow of foreign tourists is picking up, according to Tourism Minister Selja.

'In the last two years, we have seen an increase in the flow of both foreign and domestic tourists in India, except during the few months when it was affected due to global meltdown and the Mumbai terror attacks,' Selja told reporters here Monday.

'Foreign tourist arrivals declined by up to 17.6 percent in the first three months of this year. However, the situation has improved and this decline was only 1.9 percent in May. I am happy things are back on track,' she added.

According to official records, foreign tourist arrivals in India increased from 2.73 million to 5.37 million over the last five years. Foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector in 2008 stood at Rs.50,730 crore, an increase of 14.4 percent over 2007.

Selja said 22 sites from across the country has been identified for developing tourism circuits.

'We have identified various potential locations in the country to develop mega tourists circuits. Depending on the situation and feasibility, places from more than one state can be included into one circuit.'

Referring to the Commonwealth Games in the national capital next year, she said measures were being taken to cope with the sharp inflow of foreign tourists during the event.

'There is an estimated requirement of 40,000 rooms for the Commonwealth Games. About 10,000 rooms are already available and we have made arrangements for an additional 30,000 rooms in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.'

'The tourism ministry will also provide 3,000 hospitality trained volunteers for the Commonwealth Games. Around 3,500 tourist taxi and coach drivers will be trained to become more tourist-friendly,' added the minister.

--IANS