By IANS,
New Delhi : India expects to attract 10 million foreign tourists by 2011 and is taking a number of steps in this regard, the Lok Sabha was informed Friday.
Minister of State of Tourism Sultan Ahmed said the working group on tourism for the 11th Five Year Plan has set a target of 10 million international visitors by 2011.
He said the ministry through its India tourism offices overseas is undertaking a series of promotional activities, including advertising, travel fairs, exhibitions and road shows with the objective of increasing foreign tourist arrivals.
The minister said this year they have launched the “Visit 2009” scheme. Under the scheme, travellers who visit India this year will have a chance to get an extra sample of the country’s exotic adventure tourism and sublime eco, rural and wellness tourism in 2010 and 2011 too.
The move is among many incentives offered to encourage repeat visitors to India.
About 5.36 million foreign tourists visited India in 2008.
The first five months of 2009 showed a sharp decline in the numbers of foreign tourists arrivals in the country as compared to the same period in 2008. But from June onwards, a slight increase was witnessed, officials said.
In June this year, about 341,000 foreign tourists visited the country as compared to 340,000 in June 2008 and 310,000 in June 2007.