An estimated 35,37,630 foreign tourists visited India in the year 2004-05 as compared to 28,78,638 during 2003-04, showing an increase of 22.9 per cent, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Stating this in a written reply, Minister of State for Tourism Renuka Chaudhury said the foreign exchange earnings from tourism during 2004-05 have been estimated Rs 23,469 crore (Rs 234.69 billion) as against Rs 18,058 crore (Rs 180.58 billion) during 2003-04 showing an increase of about 30 per cent over the year 2003-04.
She said the government has taken several steps, including development of tourist spots, creation of world class collaterals, centralised electronic media campaign and greater focus in the emerging markets, particularly in the region of China, North East Asia and South East Asia to boost tourism.
To another question, Chaudhury said India and Singapore have signed an agreement on tourism cooperation which provides for exchange of information on tourism industries and exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest for development of tourism in both the countries.
