New Delhi, Mar 04: India's share in world tourism receipts is just 0.67 per cent and ranks 51 in the world international arrivals. Minister for tourism and culture Jagmohan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today said that there has been a decline of 6.9 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals during 2002 as compared to 2001. The foreign exchange earning has, however increased from Rs 14,344 crores in 2001 to Rs 14,420 crores in 2002. However, during the November 2002, the foreign tourist arrivals was 80,2966 as compared to arrival of 69,2379 in the corresponding period of the previous year thus registering a growth of 16 per cent.

Japan Bank for International Cooperation has agreed in principle to provide the loan asistance (Rs 299.2 crores approx.) for Ajanta, Ellora, Pithalkhora, Aurangabad, Daualtabad, Patnadevi, Lonar, Nasik, Pune, Elephanta caves, Bhaja and Bedsa, Sivneri, Malshej and Kolvan in Maharashtra.

Bureau Report