New Delhi: India is traditionally known for its hospitality and providing a pedestal to whom we urban dwellers term as guests. Portraying a similar trend, ministry of tourism in a statement issued on Tuesday notified a 56.2 percent growth in foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) on e-tourist visa in November, 2017 when compared to November last year.
Additionally, there has been a 14.4 percent rise in overall FTAs in November 2017 as compared with the same period last year according to the statement.
While Bangladesh (16.77%) followed by USA (14.77%), UK (9.93%), Russia (4.41%), Canada (4.39%) and Australia were among the top countries that had tourists flying into India last month, Delhi Airport (29.76%) followed by Mumbai Airport (17.20%), Haridaspur Land Check Post (8.40%), Chennai Airport (5.78%), Bengaluru Airport (5.44%), Dabolim (Goa) Airport were among the top airports hosting the guests.
During the month of November, 2017, a total of 2.14 lakh foreign tourists arrived on e-tourist Visa as compared to 1.37 lakh during the month of November, 2016, registering a growth of 56.2%.
The number of FTAs spiked to 10.05 lakh in November this year as compared with FTAs of 8.78 lakh in November last year and 8.16 lakh in November 2015.
Several initiatives have been taken by the Ministry of Tourism to enlarge the scope of FTA's in varied tourism sectors such as medical and wellness, golf, adventure, cruise, rural and also to strengthen tourism in the North-Eastern region.
As per the FDI Policy 2017, 100 percent (foreign direct investment) FDI is allowed on the automatic route in tourism and hospitality sector; and 100 percent FDI is allowed on the automatic route in tourism construction projects, including the development of hotels, resorts and recreational facilities.
This means that foreign-based firms can open up their own hotels and restaurants in tourist areas without the need of an Indian partner.
As per the data provided by IBEF, tourism in India accounts for 9.6 percent of the GDP and is the third largest foreign exchange earner for the country.
While the numbers are encouraging, Darjeeling, a hill station based in West Bengal reeled under political volatility to see its tourism numbers slump heavily. Unofficial sources confirmed that the small hill station tucked away in the north of West Bengal witnessed 80 percent fall in tourism business in the financial year so far.
Political disturbances, month-long bandhs or incidences of violence resulting into unfavorable tourism advices by first world countries, all put together have shattered the festive season tourism business during mid-September to mid-November.
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