Lok Sabha Question No. 2648 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: Foreign Tourists Arrivals
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Sasikanth Senthil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2648 ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025

## FOREIGN TOURISTS ARRIVALS

## 2648. SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that India recorded 4.78 million Foreign  Tourist  Arrivals  (FTAs)  in  the  first  half  of  2024,  which  is approximately 90% of the figure for the same period in 2019, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  details  of  the  factors  that  have  contributed  to  the  slower recovery  of  foreign  tourist  arrivals  in  the  Country  along  with  the details of steps being taken by the Government to address this and bridge the gap;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  implementing  measures  to  enhance India's competitiveness as a global tourism destination, particularly in terms of infrastructure, affordability, and regulation, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether certain  countries  have  issued  travel  advisories  for  India due to environmental concerns, particularly air pollution, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)    the details of the steps being taken by the Government to address these  challenges  and  mitigate  their  impact  on  India's  tourism sector?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM         (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India recorded 4.78 million in the first half of 2024 compared to 5.30 million in 2019.

Further, as per Data from Bureau of Immigration and UNWTO Barometer, May 2024, FTAs in 2023 have recovered to 87.1% of the pre-pandemic levels  closely  aligning  with  the  global  recovery  rate  of  88.8%  and surpassing the Asia-Pacific region's recovery rate of 65.4%.

Ministry  of  Tourism  has  taken  several  measures/initiatives  to  enhance India's competitiveness as a global tourism destination and attract more foreign tourists in the country as under:

- The Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan', 'National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' provides financi al assistance  to  State  Governments/Union  Territory  Administrations/ Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure  and  facilities  at  various  tourism  destinations  in  the country.
- Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  various  campaigns  and  events promotes  various  tourism  destinations  and  products  of  India  in domestic  and  international  markets.  Some  of  the  initiatives  are Dekho  Apna  Desh  campaign,  Chalo  India  campaign,  International Tourism Mart, Bharat Parv.
- Incredible India Content Hub was launched and available in public domain.  Promotions  are  also  carried  out  through  the  website -www.incredibleindia.org and social media handles of the Ministry.
- Thematic tourism like wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural, ecotourism,  etc.  amongst  other  niche  subjects  are  promoted  so  as  to expand the scope of tourism into other sectors as well.
- For  improving  air  connectivity  to  important  tourist  destinations, Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with Ministry of Civil Aviation under their RCS-UDAN Scheme. As on date, 53 tourism routes have been operationalized.
- e-Visa scheme is now available to 167 countries and it is available for 9 sub-categories:
- i. e-Tourist Visa
- ii. e-Business Visa
- iii. e-Medical Visa
- iv. e-Conference Visa
- v. e-Medical Attendant Visa
- vi. e-Ayush Visa
- vii.  e-Ayush Attendant Visa
- viii. e- Student Visa
- ix.   e-Student X Visa

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