India tourism registers record growth in FEE

New Delhi, Jan 14 (UNI) The foreign exchange earnings (FEE)in the tourism sector registered a record growth during 2007, which also witnessed a substantial growth in foreign tourist arrival.

Tourism ministry sources today said FEE during 2007 was 11.96 billion US dollars (Rs 49,413 crore) as compared to 8.93 billion US dollars (Rs 40,375 crores) in 2006. The growth in FEE during 2007 was 33.8 per cent as compared to 19.2 per cent in 2006.

"The year 2007 witnessed a remarkable growth in the tourism sector in terms of foreign exchange and foreign tourist arrival," the sources said.

The foreign tourist arrival touched five million in 2007 in comparison to 4.45 million in 2006, registering a growth of over 12 per cent.

Sources attributed the impressive performance of the tourism sector to a positive image created about the country through successful branding of "Incredible India." "The promotional campaigns run by the Tourism Ministry have led to immense interest in India as a tourist destination," sources said.

India tourism has been adjudged the "Favourite Country of the Year" by the Conde Nast Traveller, a renowned magazine in the trave trade. It also won World Tourism Association's "Asia's Best Destination Award" for 2007.

UNI SH MSJ RN1547