New Delhi, Jan 14: Despite security threats in the wake of terrorist strikes, foreign tourists arrivals to India rose by about 16 percent during the last quarter in 2002 as compared to the corresponding period the previous year, Tourism Minister Jagmohan said Monday. Also the foreign exchange earning through tourism increased by about 20 per cent during the period, he told reporters here. As many as 7,36,859 tourists came to India between October-December 2002 compared to 6,45,834 during the corresponding period in 2001, he said. The total foreign exchange earning between January and November 2002 was 2811.11 U S million dollars (Rs 136.4381 billion) against 3042 million dollars (Rs 143.44 billion) for the same period in 2001, he said.
In a bid to attract more foreigners to travel to India, Government is giving a facelift to its tourism offices abroad to project the country's image as a safe and secure destination, Jagmohan said.
Elaborating on the Government's proposal for revamping Indian tourist offices abroad, he said the staff would be augmented and more funds would be made available to them to increase awareness among the foreigners on Indian monuments and other little known safe and exotic destinations. Bureau Report