Tourist arrivals in India have risen by 25.5 per cent between January 2004 and September 2004 compared to the corresponding period last year. For the same period, the revenues in dollar terms rose 41 per cent, according to Renuka Choudhury, Union Minister of Tourism.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Tourism House in Bangalore, Choudhury said, "The increase has happened because of the manner in which India has been branded to the rest of the world. The impact of 9/11 and SARS bypassed the Indian tourism and it is now been rated as being among the Top 5 World tourist destinations by renowned magazines."
The minister also said that the tourism circuit in South East Asia is likely to pick up in a big way. According to her, "We have just concluded talks with the Singapore Prime Minister. We plan to introduce a circuit between China-Singapore-India-China or vice versa. We have also been assured by the national carrier of additional seat capacity in the next three years. They are ready to provide this even by hiring additional aircraft."
Choudhury added that her ministry has also identified 16 states where the Buddhist Circuit can be implemented.
"A group of ministers are looking at various options to promote all the Heritage Sites as well as a Buddhist Circuit in India. On the specific plans for South India, the minister said that Southern Splendor, a train that will cover all four southern states, on the lines of Palace on Wheels, is being looked into."
This projected is being "vetted" at New Delhi for approvals. While the Department of Railways and the Union government have already provided their share of Rs 8 crore (Rs 80 million) each for the project, the state government is yet to provide its share of Rs 16 crore (Rs 160 million). -- Business Standard
