20 pc increase in tourist inflow into India

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Bangalore, July 13 (UNI) India registered a 20 per cent increase in the inflow of foreign tourists during 2004-05 and earned foreign exchange to the tune of four billion dollars, according to India International Travel Mart (IITM) Director Rohit Hangal.

''However, the country's earning is less than 0.2 per cent of the total tourism industry, which is growing at a faster rate globally.

We need to attract more tourists, we have the potential. Last year, 3.2 million tourists visited India,'' he said yesterday, announcing the 25th edition of IITM travel and tourism exhibition to be kicked off here on July 15.

Mr Hangal said participants from 15 States and tourism companies from seven countries would put up their stalls in the three-day exhibition to woo tourists.

Travel Media Networks Director Surinder Hakbu, who was also present, said medical tourism was gaining popularity with 5,000 such tourists visiting India last year and might even touch the 20,000 mark this year.

IITM Director Anurag Gupta said, ''over the last few years, India has emerged as the fastest growing market as far as outbound travel is concerned, especially to destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

This trend is likely to be further boosted as travel studies and trends indicate that nearly eight million Indians will embark on a journey overseas. With the advent of low cost international airfares and holiday packages that can be availed on monthly installments, international travel is no longer considered to be a luxury.'' After Bangalore, the exhibition would move on to Chennai (July 21-23), Mumbai (September 2-40, Pune (December 2-40 and Hyderabad (December 8-10).

UNI MSP GD YA KP0913

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