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Three million tourists in India this year
By agencies
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Wednesday, 20 April 2005, 19:30 IST
MUMBAI: After a record arrival of foreign tourists in 2004, India is poised to take a quantum leap by crossing the magic figure of three million this year to register a 24 percent growth, according to Gaur Kanjilal, Regional Director of Tourism Department.
Foreign exchange earnings have shown a positive growth till November last year and the revenue earnings was to the tune of $2.18 billion, he said.
With increasing liberalization in civil aviation sector, there has been improvement in movement of tourists from various traffic-generating markets. More and more airlines are now getting rights to operate in India, he added. Five international carriers have added India to their schedule, existing carriers have been allowed additional services, charter policy has been liberalized and low cost airlines are available, Gaur pointed out.
Airports are being upgraded, modernization plans have been prepared and action initiated. Delhi airport looks much improved and Mumbai airport is getting a facelift. Private operators are also offering helicopter services, he said.
"There is a genuine eagerness to improve air transport facilities. Once these areas are improved, corporate traffic will increase. They need fast movement facilities, Gaur said.
India has already made a mark as a MICE (meetings, incentives, convention, exhibitions) destination with enchanting pre/post tours and conference facilities existing in not only metropolitan cities but other places also, Gaur said.