Tourist arrivals up 13 per cent in 2005

Promotional efforts of the ministry of tourism and culture in overseas markets have generated widespread awareness about the tourist attractions of the country, resulting in an increase of 26.8 per cent during 2004 and 13.2 per cent during 2005 in foreign tourist arrivals to the country. Foreign exchange earnings during the same period increased by 35 per cent and 20.2 per cent respectively in US dollar terms.

The ministry has taken steps to improve tourism infrastructural facilities for augmenting air seat and airport capacity, rail and road connectivity to tourist destinations, etc. Incentives are being provided to increase hotel room capacity in the budget category. A social awareness campaign – Atithi Devo Bhava has been launched to sensitise stakeholders in the tourism industry about the need to treat tourists with care and courtesy. Capacity building programmes have been taken up to train service providers in tourism and related sectors.