India's share in world tourism receipts is just 0.67 per cent and ranks 51 in the world international arrivals.
Minister for tourism and culture Jagmohan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday today said that there has been a decline of 6.9 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals during 2002 as compared to 2001.
The foreign exchange earning has, however increased from Rs 14,344 crores (Rs 143.44 billion) in 2001 to Rs 14,420 crores (Rs 144.20 billion) in 2002.
However, during the November 2002, the foreign tourist arrivals were 802,966 as compared to arrival of 692,379 in the corresponding period of the previous year thus registering a growth of 16 per cent.
Assistance: Japan Bank for International Cooperation has agreed in principle to provide the loan assistance of approximately Rs 299.2 crore (Rs 2.99 billion) for Ajanta, Ellora, Pithalkhora, Aurangabad, Daualtabad, Patnadevi, Lonar, NAsik, Pune, Elephanta caves, Bhaja and Bedsa, Sivneri, Malshej and Kolvan in Maharashtra.
UNI