New Delhi: The number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country in 2012 (till November) increased by nearly six per cent over the same period in 2011, the tourism ministry said.
The ministry said 58.99 lakh foreign tourists visited India against 55.72 lakh in 2011 for the corresponding period.
Foreign exchange earnings from tourists visiting India till November 2012 was Rs.83,938 crore, with a growth of of 22.1 percent over the same period in 2011. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism in 2011 was Rs.68.721 crore.
In 2012, the “Clean India” campaign was launched by the tourism ministry to enhance the image of the country abroad. The ministry also signed MoUs with the ministries of railway, civil aviation, information and broadcasting ministries to boost tourism.
India country signed an MoU with ASEAN in January 2012 to facilitate tourism from partner countries, strengthen tourism partnerships, mutual travel assistance and develop human resource in the tourism sector, cooperation and exchange information on investment and economic data in tourism, travel and hospitality.
The tourism ministry also launched an international campaign “Find What You Seek” and a domestic campaign “Go Beyond These Campaigns” at the World Travel Market 2012 in London.
In 2012, India sold tourism packages in Saudi Arabia with roadshows as well.