Decline in number of foreign visitors in August

While 4.52 lakh foreign tourists visited the country in July this year, their number decreased to 3.82 lakh in August. However, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in August is more in comparison to the same month in 2009 and 2008.

There were 3.82 lakh foreign tourists as compared to 3.50 lakh during August 2009 and 3.83 lakh in August 2008. According to the data compiled by Tourism Ministry, there has been a growth of 9 per cent in August 2010 over August 2009 as compared to a negative growth of 8.6 per cent registered in August 2009 over August 2008.

There were a total 34.67 lakh foreign tourists during January-August 2010 with a growth rate of 9.7 per cent, as compared to 31.60 lakh and a negative growth rate of 7.7 per cent during January-August 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism during August were Rs 4620 crore as compared to Rs 4115 crore in August 2009 and Rs 3626 crore in August 2008.