Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism in Rupees terms in November, 2013 increased by 7.26 per cent to Rs.10,429 crores as compared to Rs.9723 crores in November, 2012. Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in November, 2013 was 7.18 lakhs as against 7.01 lakhs in November 2012 showing a growth of 1.41 per cent.
FEEs during the month of November 2013 were Rs.10,429 crores as compared to Rs.9,723 crores in November 2012 and Rs.7,941 crores in November 2011. The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in November 2013 over November 2012 was 7.3 per cent as compared to 22.4 per cent in November 2012 over November 2011. FEEs from tourism in rupee terms during January to November 2013 were Rs.94,156 crores with a growth of 12.2 per cent, as compared to the FEEs of Rs.83,938 crores with a growth of 22.1% during January to November 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.
FEEs in US$ terms during the month of November 2013 were US$ 1.665 billion as compared to FEEs of US$ 1.776 billion during the month of November 2012 and US$ 1.566 billion in November 2011. The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in November 2013 over November 2012 was a negative growth of 6.3 per cent as compared to the growth of 13.4 per cent in November 2012 over November 2011. FEE from tourism in terms of US$ during January to November 2013 were US$ 16.247 billion with a growth of 2.8 per cent, as compared to US$ 15.806 billion with a growth of 6.3 per cent during January-November 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.
The Foreign Tourists Arrivals (FTAs) to India in 2012 were 66,48,313 as compared to 63,09,222 in 2011, i.e., an increase of 5.4 percent.
Foreign Tourists Arrivals during the period January to October 2013 were 53.30 lakh with a growth of 4 per cent, as compared to FTAs of 51.24 lakh in the same period in 2012. Domestic Tourist Visits in 2012 was 1036 million as compared to 865 million in 2011, the growth rate being 19.9 per cent (2012 over 2011).
To ensure safety and security of tourists, including foreign tourists, Ministry of Tourism has advised all the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations to deploy Tourist Police in the States/Union Territories. In addition, the Union Ministry of Tourism along with all stakeholders, including the Tourism Departments of all States and UTs, have adopted the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’ which is a set of guidelines to encourage tourism activities to be undertaken with respect for basic right like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents in particular, women and children.
The National Tourism Ministers’ Conference was convened on 18th July, 2013 in New Delhi which resolved that the Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will work for ensuring the safety and security of tourists, especially women. An advisory has been posted on the Ministry of Tourism website indicating that India remains safe destination for international Tourists including women tourists. State Governments have introduced the “Tourist Police” in their state in some form or another. The Stake holders have identified focal points in their respective organizations to implement the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’.
