32 lakh tourists visit Taj Mahal in 2007, breaks earlier records

Agra, Jan 3 (UNI) A record breaking 32 lakh tourists visited to adore the beauty of monument of love Taj Mahal here in 2007.

According to the Archeological department sources, ''no sooner the Taj Mahal was included in the 'new Seven Wonders' last year, it observed a hike in the number of tourists, both national and international, visiting the place.'' As many as 32 lakh tourists came here in 2007, which included 25 lakh national and seven lakh international tourists respectively.

The figure is much higher than that recorded in the preceding year.

In 2006, nearby 25.5 lakh tourists, comprising around 20.5 lakh national and 5 lakh international tourists respectively, came to Taj Mahal, while in 2005, the figure was recorded around 23 lakh that included 19 lakh national and 4 lakh international tourists respectively.

The mushrooming number of tourists had also drawn good returns to the hotels and created employment opportunities here.

UNI JAS PY KN1405