New Delhi, Sept 26: Tourism Minister Jagmohan today said the international tourist arrivals to the country have increased by over 14 per cent so far this year despite the environment "not being conducive". Hinting at the menace of global terrorism adversely affecting tourism world over, he said the room occupancy had gone up by 27 per cent and foreign exchange earnings by 31 pc.
Launching the three-day International Travel and Tourism Mart here, Jagmohan said government was taking new initiatives to attract tourists and develop tourism infrastructure in the country by synthesising elements of culture, tourism and a clean civic life. Special emphasis was being given to areas of art, architecture and other aspects to project the rich and varied heritage of culture and history under the "Incredible India" slogan, he said.
Jagmohan said several hubs had been created in many states to focus on tourism attractions -- from Mahabalipuram to Hampi, Ajanta-Ellora, Kumbhalgarh, Haridwar, Srinagar, Gaya, Kolkata and Guwahati. National tourism offices of 12 countries, including Croatia, Malaysia, Macau, Russia, Tanzania, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Britain, Canada and Tunisia are participating in the mart. Croatia is being represented by its Tourism Minister Pave Zupan Ruskovic.
Uttaranchal and Rajasthan were participating as partner states, besides about 15 other states. Large number of foreign and domestic airlines, as also the star alliance of leading world carriers, have put up their stalls at the mart. Bureau Report