NRIs spend more on holidays in India

By agencies   |   Monday, 14 May 2007, 19:30 IST
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New Delhi: Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs) are spending more on holidays in the country, reports The Economic Times. NRIs stay 25-45 days here and spend over 46 percent of their expenditure on shopping. Their average expenditure has been estimated at 2,000 per night. And even if they do stay with their family or relatives, over 65 percent of them avail of leisure travel services,states a tourism ministry paper. According to the report, this year the tourist arrivals into the country have crossed the 7.25 million mark. Most NRIs prefer traveling alone rather than with their spouses. While 65 percent use road and rail, 35 percent prefer air for travel within the country. Out of these, 30 percent NRIs travel for leisure, recreation and holidays and 26 percent for religious purposes. "Indians staying abroad serve as brand ambassadors," K N Anand Veep, international markets, SOTC told ET. "There's certainly a huge spurge on NRIs visiting the country and this has helped the country to generate forex earnings," Ranjan Bhattacharya, MD, Country Inns & Suits told ET.