Lok Sabha Question No. 1064 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Growth of FTAs
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1064

## ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## GROWTH OF FTAs

## 1064.SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the key factors that are driving the growth of Foreign Tourist  Arrivals  (FTAs),  considering  that  2023  recorded  9.52  million Foreign Tourist Arrivals;
- (b) whether Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in 2023 amounted  to  2,31,927  crore  rupees  and  in  which  manner  the Government plans to further increase these earnings; and
- (c) the  details  of  the  sectors  aimed  at  by  the  Government  for  higher revenue generation for driving FEEs?

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (c): As per data from the Bureau of Immigration, India recorded 9.52 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2023, reflecting a 47.9% increase compared  to  2022  year  which  account  for  Foreign  Exchange  Earnings (FEEs)  of Rs.2,31,927 crore with a growth of 36.5%.

The growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) is mainly driven by the postpandemic revival of global travel and increasing confidence in India as a diverse  and  culturally  rich  destination.  Enhanced  air  connectivity  has improved accessibility to key tourist spots, while continuous development of tourism infrastructure has elevated the visitor experience. Additionally, targeted domestic and international marketing campaigns have strengthened India's global appeal, positioning it as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.

Furthermore, Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps/initiatives over the  years  to  give  boost  to  the  tourism  sector  in  the  country,  details  of which are:

- 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.
- The Incredible India Content Hub was launched which is a comprehensive digital  repository,  featuring  a  rich  collection  of  highquality images, films, brochures, and newsletters related to tourism in India. Promotions are also carried out through the web-site -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.
- Enhance the overall quality and visitor experience through initiatives focused  on  capacity  building,  skill  development  such  as  'Capacity Building  for  Service  Providers',  'Incredible  India  Tourist  Facilitator' (IITF), 'Paryatan Mitra' and 'Paryatan Didi'.
- 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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